Prince of Penzance was traveling so well in the closing stages of the Melbourne Cup that jockey Michelle Payne struggled to hold the six-year-old gelding back.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ballarat-born Payne broke clear down the Flemington straight to guide Prince of Penzance first past the post, half a length clear of Max Dynamite, with Criterion in third on Tuesday.
Sitting triumphantly in the saddle, Payne told Channel Seven immediately after the win that she’d trainer Darren Weir’s instructions ringing in her ears in the closing stages.
“He was still towing me into the straight and when he let go Darren Weir said to count to 10, I was trying to count but didn't count - I was just hoping it was long enough,” she said.
“He just felt like he would run out the two miles strong, but far out I didn't think he'd be that strong.
“He burst to the front and was powering to the line.”
Payne went to sleep on Monday night dreaming she’d write herself into the record books, but admitted that even she had doubts about the reality.
“I sort of thought 'don't be silly',” she said.
“It's nice to be able to dream, that's what racing is all about. You can dream about anything.”
The win was Payne’s fifth Group 1 victory and her first since 2011. She becomes the first female hoop to win the race that stops a nation in 155 years.
Payne said she hopes that the historic moment helps pave the way for more female jockeys in what she considered to still be a “male-dominated sport”.
“People think we (females) are not strong enough, but you know what, it's not all about strength,” she said.
“I am so glad to win the Melbourne Cup and hopefully it will help women from now on get more of a go.”
I am so glad to win the Melbourne Cup and hopefully it will help women from now on get more of a go
- Michelle Payne
Payne won her maiden race as a 15-year-old on her father Paddy's horse, Reigning, in front of cheering schoolmates on her home turf at Ballarat.
The 30-year-old has ridden Prince of Penzance in 22 of his 23 starts, including the first win in Stawell in 2013.
“When I won on this horse as a three year old, I thought this is a Melbourne Cup horse,” Payne said.
"Darren (Weir) has been such a great supporter of mine for the last five or six years.
“I know he's a man that if you work really hard he'll give you a go. I just kept showing up and doing my best every time and he has rewarded me.
“I can't thank him enough for giving me the opportunity today and I am so glad I was able to do such a good job and get Prince over the line.”
