This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Melbourne Cup-Winning Jockey Michelle Payne Thanks Her Dad And Brother

No Rest For The Winner: Jockey Michelle Payne Back In The Saddle To Race Today
Prince of Penzance jockey Michelle Payne, right, celebrates with strapper Stevie Payne, left, after winning the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday when she rode the 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance to victory in Australia's richest horse race. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Prince of Penzance jockey Michelle Payne, right, celebrates with strapper Stevie Payne, left, after winning the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday when she rode the 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance to victory in Australia's richest horse race. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)

She may have just won the world's richest handicap, but jockey Michelle Payne is preparing to get back in the saddle for another race on Wednesday afternoon.

Payne paid a touching tribute to her father on Channel 9's Today show, who raised the family after her mum died.

"He is an amazing man and when my mum died when I was six months old -- and how he dealt with it -- that is something that I think about often," Payne said.

She also said her brother Stevie, who has Down Syndrome, was instrumental in her win but also a "blessing" for the family.

"[Dad] just said when something bad happens, something good is around the corner," Payne said.

"I believe Stevie was given to us because of what happened to my mum.

"He lives with my dad now and he keeps him going.

"He's just an absolute blessing to our family."

Payne said the best moment of the Melbourne Cup was seeing Stevie after winning.

"I will never forget that moment of seeing him when I came back in and he was a bit emotional, which I've never seen him like that before -- It's just great," Payne said.

She said she was working with Down Syndrome Australia and hoped Stevie's place in her team showed the capability of people with Down Syndrome.

"They can be so capable in so many ways," Payne said.

"Stevie is so smart. I just really hope that that message gets out loud and clear."

Australian actor Portia De Rossi, meanwhile, told Today Payne was an inspiration.

"She is my new hero," De Rossi said.

"I mean, as a horse rider, I can't believe how much courage these people have, but as a woman and her work with the disabled, she's just so inspirational. What a day for her."

Payne is due to race in the $100,000 Kyneton Cup at Kyneton Park this afternoon.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.