Fran White got a special surprise on Saturday when Melbourne Cup winning strapper Stevie Payne showed up to her 80th birthday party.
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Mrs White and her husband Jim White from Horsham have a special connection to the Payne family, having hosted six of the 10 Payne children at their place during school holidays after their mother Mary Payne died.
Stevie reminisced of the fun times they had on the White family farm in Netherby over the eight-year period.
His sister Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, was unable to attend due to horse racing commitments but sent a video message thanking the Whites for looking after them and making them part of the family.
Mrs White's friend Jenna Nichols said she was excited about the visit from the Ballarat identity, with Stevie having also starred in the biopic of Michelle's journey to victory Ride Like a Girl.
WATCH THE RIDE LIKE A GIRL TRAILER BELOW
"Fran has been a valuable member of the Horsham community, recently retiring after 21 years of service at Foodbank, although she continues to volunteer for other services," she said.
"She has seven children, 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren."
-Wimmera Mail-Times
Eliza Berlage
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
