Michelle Payne kept her composure to claim the Melbourne Cup, becoming the first female jockey to win Australia’s biggest race on Tuesday. The
ADVERTISEMENTMichelle Payne kept her composure to claim the Melbourne Cup, becoming the first female jockey to win Australia’s biggest race on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old got off to a strong start while biding her time until well into the final straight before stepping it up a gear at the 200-metre mark.
Payne eventually overcame a late surge by Max Dynamite, beating odds of 100-1 as she steered rank outsider Prince of Penzance to victory. Her cup win could possibly be her last ride with Payne foreshadowing retirement just two days before the race.
It was a frustrating day for many of the foreign-trained horses, transported across the world at huge expense. Japanese favourite Fame Game and Sky Hunter finished 13th and 22nd respectively.