We like Michelle Payne.
Not only did she win the most prestigious race in Australia but she did it on a 100/1 shot who was led up by her brother Stevie, who has Down’s Syndrome.
To top it all off, the first woman in the 155-year history of “The Race that Stops a Nation” told all those who doubt the talents of female jockeys to “get stuffed”.
Payne made history when she brilliantly guided Prince of Penzance to victory at Flemington ahead of Willie Mullins’ raider Max Dynamite.
“I know it’s a male-dominated sport and people don’t think we’re strong enough. It’s about so much more than that, you’ve got to get a horse in a rhythm, be patient,” said Payne.
“I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything and we can beat the world.”
“I’m so pleased to win and hopefully it will mean people give more female jockeys a go.”
https://twitter.com/MarkDiStef/status/661465932280127488
In Ireland we are used to the likes of Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh winning the biggest races but Payne’s victory overnight represents a massive breakthrough in Australian sport.
It was also a return to winning ways for the locals after German phenom Protectionist romped home in 2014, with the only real dampener on a momentous day being the injury to Red Cadeaux, who pulled up with a leg injury.
This is more than just a great sporting story.History making @mj_payne & a top interview with @HylandSamuel #Steviehttps://t.co/BfPN0veDcW
— Nigel (@nigelgutgenug) November 3, 2015
