Michelle J. Payne OAM is a talented Australian horsewoman, best known for her historic win at the 2015 Melbourne Cup.
She made history as the first and only female rider to win this prestigious event, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female riders.
Her success has inspired many, and her talent and determination have cemented her place in the equestrian world.
File
- Full Name: Michelle J. Payne OAM
- Stage Name: Michelle Payne
- Date of birth: September 29, 1985
- Age: 38 years old
- Place of birth: Ballarat in central Victoria, Australia
- Australian citizenship
- Occupation: Australian horseman
- Height: 5’4″
- Parents: Paddy Payne and Mary Payne
- Siblings: Stephen Payne, Brigid Payne, Cathy Payne, Patrick Payne, Therese Payne, Maree Payne, Margaret Payne, Michael Payne, Bernadette Payne and Andrew Payne
- Spouse: James Petterson
- Children: None
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Michelle J. Payne was born on 29 September 1985 in Australia. Raised on a farm in Miners Rest, near Ballarat in central Victoria, she was the eighth of ten children in her family.
Michelle attended Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and Loreto College, Ballarat before starting her horse racing career at the age of 15. She is of Irish and New Zealand descent, adding to the diversity of her background.
Career
Michelle J. Payne is an Australian horse rider known for her inspiring story of perseverance and triumph. Despite facing many challenges, she has achieved great success in her career.
Coming from a racing family, she started racing at a young age. In 2004, she suffered a serious fall that fractured her skull, temporarily ending her career.
Despite this setback, she continued to battle through numerous injuries and made a name for herself in the racing world.
Michelle’s determination and hard work paid off as she became a leading rider in Victoria. In 2009, she won her first Group 1 on All is magic and continued to have success with horses like Yoseiwon prestigious races such as The Thousand Guineas.
Michelle’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
Michelle Payne made history in 2015 when she became the first female rider to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Prince of Penzance.
Her victory broke barriers and became an inspiration for women in the horse racing industry. In 2016, she moved into horse training and won her first race as a trainer, further demonstrating her unwavering determination and skill.
Awards and appointments
Michelle Payne’s Awards and Recognitions:
- First woman to win the Melbourne Cup (2015): Rode Prince of Penzance to win, becoming the first woman to win the prestigious race in the 155-year history of the race.
- Don Award (2016): Presented by the Australian Sports Hall of Fame, to honour the athlete who most inspired the nation in the previous year.
- Order of Australia (2021): Recognition for outstanding service to the nation. Payne’s contributions to horse racing and her inspiring story earned her this recognition.
Social Media
- Instagram Name: @michellejpayne
- Facebook Name: Michelle Payne
- Twitter Username: @mj_payne
Personal life
Michelle Payne appreciates the love and support of her husband, James Petterson. James, a successful businessman, has been a constant source of strength for Michelle throughout her career.
Their marriage is a testament to the power of love and partnership in both personal and professional life. Although they do not have children, their love and commitment to each other is evident in everything they do.
In 2004, Michelle suffered a serious fall during a race, fracturing her skull and requiring multiple surgeries. Her incredible recovery and subsequent return to racing was a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit, with James by her side every step of the way.
Net asset value
Michelle J. Payne OAM is not only a talented Australian rider but also a pioneer for women in the sport.
She is best known for her historic win at the 2015 Melbourne Cup, becoming the first female rider to win the race. While her net worth is estimated at $5 million, her impact and legacy in the world of horse racing is priceless.
