Popular jockey Michelle Payne has been honoured with the Victorian Wakeful Club’s annual Lady in Racing award.
Victorian racing minister Denis Napthine presented the award to the 25-year-old at a celebratory luncheon on Wednesday.
Payne has been one of Australia’s most successful women riders with her achievements including a Group One win for Bart Cummings in the 2009 Toorak Handicap aboard Allez Wonder.
She has also won three Group Ones on Yosei – the Thousand Guineas and Sires’ Produce Stakes in 2010 and Tattersall’s Tiara at Eagle Farm last year.
“Racing is one of the few international sports where men and women can compete against each other at the top level and Michelle is a shining example of what women can achieve in our industry,” Napthine said.
“Already at this young age, Michelle Payne has proven she can mix it with the best, achieving what many jockeys only ever dream of.”
Payne has also established a public profile as a presenter on-camera for TVN and was the public face of the 2011 Ballarat Cup Carnival.
“She is an outstanding role model to both men and women who wish to pursue a career in the world of horseracing,” Napthine said.
The Victorian Wakeful Club is named after the champion mare Wakeful who won 25 races from 44 starts.
The Club aims to increase recognition and opportunities for women involved in the thoroughbred racing industry.
AAP TURF
