“To those people who say women, aren’t strong.. get stuffed!” Michelle Payne, Melbourne Cup Winner.
Well said, Michelle Payne! The thirty-year-old who has just rode home to win the Melbourne Cup on the formidable Prince of Penzance.
She has landed in the history books as the first female to win the race.
It has all the elements of an incredible yarn: the horse was 100-1 before today and stunned race-goers to get a lead.
Not only has Michelle become an incredible role-model for women and girls, she took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on gender inequality in her sport. For that we love her.
“People think you’re not strong enough blah, blah, blah. I hope this will help female jockeys. We don’t get enough of a go, this will help.” she said after the race.
One of the most heartening images of this carnival has been Michelle’s brother Stevie picking No.1 in the barrier draw.
Stevie is the horse’s strapper, “I would like to thank my family, especially Stevie. It’s a dream come true to pick barrier one.” she said.
WHO IS SHE?
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be curious to know more about this fantastic thirty-year-old, here are some quick facts.
FAMILY LIFE
Michelle is youngest daughter of ten children, of Paddy and Mary. She grew up on farm at Miners Rest, in central Victoria. Tragically, her mother died in a motor vehicle accident when she Michelle was six months old, leaving her father Paddy to raise the children.
RACING
She entered racing aged 14 and went to Loreto in Ballarat.
Her first group one race, the Toorak Handicap, at Caulfield Racecourse.
In 2010, she rode Yosei to victory in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
Her first Melbourne Cup was in 2009, she rode Bart Cummings Allez Wonder and placed 16th.
Today, showed women can truly beat the odds in all aspects of life… congrats Michelle!
Images: Getty Images. Head across to The Age for video and more on Michelle.
She’s on Twitter here.
Alison Oldfield A wonderful achievement.
Engaging Women Just fantastic stuff – the youngest of ten children Al, good country stock..
Pauline Walker She was inspiring to watch and listen to afterwards. Her dream since childhood come true
Engaging Women I know Pauline Walker and she lost her mum at just six months old. What a role-model!
Katrina Harrison Knew she was on a winner when she popped in her pearl earrings, put her makeup on and braided her hair!! Love a woman who backs herself total winner in my eyes!!