Michelle Payne is one of 10 children, eight of whom, including herself, are or have been jockeys.
The Essendon resident says a love for the horse racing industry has always been in her family’s blood.
“I’m from a racing family and have ridden all my life. I left school in Ballarat at 15, which was also when I had my first race at Ballarat racecourse and won,” Michelle says.
“I couldn’t have achieved that without support from my family, especially my dad who’s also my trainer.”
Michelle, 27, has been a professional jockey for 11 years and, until a recent fall stopped her training, she devoted all her time to her career.
“Each week I travel about 1800 kilometres around Victoria for various races. I ride almost every day and three to four times a week I’m up at 3.15am for track work.”
Despite her injury, Michelle hopes to make a full recovery then ride for one more year and contest next year’s Cox Plate or Melbourne Cup.
“I love horses, the racing industry and, of course winning! After all the effort involved, crossing the finish line makes it all worth it. “
The life of a jockey is far from easy with Michelle constantly watching her diet and sweating in a sauna or bath to shed weight for races. She says professional jockeys —male and female— have to weigh 50-59 kilograms.
“I think I’ll retire in a couple of years to have kids. Horse racing is a dangerous sport. Many women retire younger to raise a family.”
Michelle’s career highlights include riding for Bart Cummings and in England, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Mauritius and New Zealand.
“Winning my first Group 1 for Bart then riding that horse in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup in 2009, was a real highlight.”
For young females interested in her career she says : “Work hard and never expect too much.”
