Melbourne Cup Legend Michelle Payne Honoured with Statue at Flemington a Decade After Her Historic Victory

Melbourne Cup legend Michelle Payne has been honoured with a bronze statue at Flemington racecourse. 

Payne, alongside the Victorian Racing Club (VRC), unveiled the statue on Thursday, precisely ten years after she made history as the first woman to ride a horse to victory in Australia’s most celebrated race.

The jockey guided the $100 outsider, Prince Of Penzance, to a remarkable triumph in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

She now stands alongside legendary trainer Bart Cummings, esteemed jockey Roy Higgins, and remarkable horses Phar Lap and Makybe Diva at the iconic venue.

Reflecting on the occasion, Payne said, “Winning the Melbourne Cup in 2015 aboard Prince Of Penzance transformed my life, and the journey since has been extraordinary.”

“Having a statue at Flemington is simply incredible; it feels surreal.”

“As a young girl, my dream was to win the Melbourne Cup, and to know that dream has come true fills me with immense pride.”

Payne further expressed her wish that anyone who sees the statue feels inspired to pursue their dreams, regardless of their scale.

The statue was crafted by artist Judith Leman and supported financially by philanthropist Lady Marigold Southey AC.

Leman commented, “Michelle’s statue is designed to celebrate her remarkable journey, embody her inner strength that we all admire, and the inspiration her Cup-winning ride has sparked for over a decade.”

VRC chairman Neil Wilson remarked that Payne is equally deserving of a statue at Flemington as Cummings, Higgins, Phar Lap, and Makybe Diva.

“Michelle is a beacon of inspiration for countless Australians and a vital ambassador for women’s participation in horse racing,” said Wilson.

“We take immense pride in recognising Michelle’s achievements and her rightful place alongside the legends of our sport.”