Michelle Payne Parents, Family Tree – Husband And Children Revealed
Michelle Payne is a name that will forever be etched in the history of Australian horse racing. She is the first and only female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup, the country’s most famous and richest race. But behind her remarkable achievement lies a story of family, tragedy, and resilience.
A Family of Horse Lovers
Born to Paddy Payne and Mary Payne, Michelle Payne is the youngest among ten siblings, a testament to a close-knit family deeply entrenched in the equestrian world. Her father, Paddy, played a pivotal role in raising his large family and contributed significantly to the racing community as a horse trainer and jockey.
Michelle’s mother, Mary, unfortunately, passed away after a car accident when Michelle was only six months old, leaving Paddy to raise their ten children as a single father. Despite the loss, the Payne family remained strong and supportive of each other, especially in their passion for horses.
Michelle grew up on a farm at Miners Rest, a locality near Ballarat in central Victoria, Australia. She dreamt of being a winning jockey as a child, and, at the age of seven, she told her friends that she would one day win the Melbourne Cup. She attended Our Lady Help of Christians primary school and Loreto College, Ballarat, and entered racing aged 15, the eighth of the Payne children to do so.
Michelle Payne Family Members
| Name | Michelle J. Payne OAM |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | 29 September 1985 (age 38) |
| Major racing wins | Toorak Handicap (2009), Sires’ Produce Stakes (2010), The Thousand Guineas (2010), Tattersall’s Tiara (2011), Melbourne Cup (2015) |
| Awards | The Don Award (2017), Longines Ladies Award (2017), Australian Racing Hall of Fame (2016) |
| Parents | Paddy Payne Mary Payne |
| Siblings | Stephen, Cathy, Patrick, Maree, Micheal, Therese, Bernadette, Margaret, Andrew, Brigid (deceased) |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Wikipedia | @Michelle_Payne |
| @michellejpayne_/ |
A Career of Triumphs and Challenges
Michelle Payne won her first race at Ballarat, aboard Reigning—a horse trained by her father. She quickly rose to prominence as a talented and determined jockey, winning her first Group One race, the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse, aboard Allez Wonder in 2009. She also rode Yosei to victory in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in 2010 and the Tattersall’s Tiara in 2011.
However, Michelle’s career was not without obstacles and setbacks. She faced sexism and discrimination in the male-dominated industry, often being overlooked or dismissed by trainers and owners. She also suffered several serious injuries, including a fractured skull and a bruised brain in 2004, a fractured wrist in 2005, and a torn pancreas in 2012. She endured multiple surgeries and long recovery periods, but never gave up on her dream.
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The Historic Melbourne Cup Victory
Michelle Payne’s dream came true on November 3, 2015, when she rode Prince of Penzance, a six-year-old gelding with which she had a long-term association, to win the Melbourne Cup. She beat the odds of 100-1, becoming the first and only female jockey to win the event in its 155-year history. She also made history by being part of the first brother-sister team to win the race, as her brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome, was the strapper for Prince of Penzance.
Michelle’s victory was not only a personal achievement, but also a statement for women in sport. She famously said in her post-race interview, “I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything and we can beat the world.” She also thanked the horse’s trainer, Darren Weir, and the owners, for giving her a chance and believing in her. She dedicated her win to her father, her siblings, and her late mother.
A Life Beyond Racing
Michelle’s Melbourne Cup win catapulted her to fame and recognition, both nationally and internationally. She received several awards and honors, including the Don Award from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Longines Ladies Award, and the Medal of the Order of Australia. She also became the subject of a biographical film, Ride Like a Girl, directed by Rachel Griffiths and starring Teresa Palmer as Michelle.
Michelle has also pursued other interests and goals beyond racing. She became a licensed trainer in 2016, and has since trained and ridden several winners, including Queen of Zealand, Tavi Bay, and Miner’s Miss. She also launched her own clothing line, Michelle Payne Racing, in 2017, featuring sportswear and accessories inspired by her style and personality.
A Private and Happy Family Life
Michelle has always been private about her personal life, preferring to keep the spotlight on her professional achievements. She has never been married, nor has she publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. However, she has expressed her desire to have children someday, either biologically or through adoption.
Michelle is very close to her family, especially her father and her siblings. She often shares photos and videos of them on her social media accounts, showing their love and support for each other. She is also a proud aunt to several nieces and nephews, whom she adores and spoils.
Michelle Payne is an inspiration to many people, especially women and girls, who aspire to follow their dreams and overcome challenges. She is a trailblazer, a champion, and a role model. She is also a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She is a woman who can do anything and beat the world.
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