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Michelle Payne doesn’t look like this anymore! Trailblazing jockey unveils stunning transformation at Melbourne Cup

BBG News

As a dedicated follower of horse racing and sports history, I can’t help but admire the indomitable spirit of Michelle Payne. Her story is one for the ages, a tale of resilience, determination, and a dash of rebellion.

Retirement looks golden on former Australian jockey Michelle Payne. 

This year’s Melbourne Cup was the first time a woman has taken the title as champion, despite the fact that the competition included an unprecedented four female jockeys. The victorious competitor is 39 years old.

Michelle may have stepped away as a jockey and retired from the tracks, but she radiated in The Birdcage on Tuesday. 

‘I’m wearing Jason Crech and we are dressed for Cup Day in gold,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

Instead of wearing her jodhpurs, the Australian jockey gracefully donned a fitted saffron gold minidress, giving an air of royalty.

2015 found me fortunate enough to claim the coveted Cup, and now, as an emissary of our team, we believe the striking color we’ve selected perfectly represents that triumphant spirit.

‘It’s just so cool.’

Michelle exclusively revealed that she’s currently single, but ‘still looking’ for a partner. 

She chuckled and replied, ‘Not at the moment,’ when playfully queried about any current romantic involvements.

‘I’m still looking.’ 

At the age of 18, Michelle had a fall from her horse which resulted in a skull fracture and some bruising on her brain.

She had no short-term memory for two months and even broke her wrist during recovery.

It was thrilling to be reminded of her victory as the first (and still the only) woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup since it was first run in 1861 – and on a horse with odds of 100 to 1. 

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’ve hung up my racing gear and swapped it for a production role at Channel Nine, which unfortunately demands my presence elsewhere. Yet, I can’t help but revel in the thrill of being on the opposite side of the fence now.

Michelle made an appearance on a panel of sports analysts, who were all male, shortly following the highly anticipated national race event.

In the spirit of her fresh chapter, Michelle drew attention on Tuesday, adorning a stylish, figure-hugging gold outfit with a mini skirt and a plunging neckline.

She adorned the provocative outfit with a glittering headband, high-heeled sandals, and purse – all in gold tones, paired with subtle, authentic makeup.

Her elaborate Elizabethan-hat accessory and shiny skeleton-patterned cufflinks gave the bachelorette and equine trainer a majestic, royal-like air.

The retired jockey, who made her debut race ride at age 15 in 2001, announced that she felt it was the right moment to conclude her extraordinary riding career following a series of three consecutive eye injuries sustained during training mishaps towards the end of last year.

Last year towards the end, it hit me hard and may have accelerated my decision to retire somewhat unexpectedly, she shared with the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘But it was on the cards anyway,’ 

After winning the Melbourne Cup, Michelle famously took a stand against sexism in the sport. 

‘Despite being predominantly male, this sport is often perceived as requiring excessive strength that women allegedly lack. However, it’s essential to understand that strength comes in many forms beyond physical might.’

Michelle was brought up as the youngest among ten siblings, following her mother’s passing in a tragic car accident when she was just half a year old. Their father took on the responsibility of raising them all.

Currently, a significant portion of her time is dedicated to work as a trainer, and she manages several horses on her farm in Ballarat, Nottingham – which is conveniently located near her father’s residence.

Since 2016, as a registered trainer, her runners have accumulated a notable sum of $487,000 in winnings. In her role as a jockey, the horses she’s ridden have earned a staggering $26 million in prize money, with each jockey receiving approximately 5% of that total.

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2024-11-05 10:20

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