Who Is Michelle Payne? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 29, 1985, Michelle Payne is currently 39 years old. She made history with her unforgettable win aboard the horse Prince of Penzance in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, a feat that has made her a prominent figure in the world of horse racing. With a passion for the sport instilled in her from a young age, her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry.
| Occupation | Equestrian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1985 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country |
Popularity
Michelle Payne's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Michelle stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) and maintains a competitive weight of around 110 lbs (50 kg), which is standard for professional jockeys. Her agility and physical fitness are crucial to her success on the racetrack, allowing her to perform at peak levels against her competitors.
Payne won her first Group One race, the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse aboard Allez Wonder on 10 October 2009, and trainer Bart Cummings offered her the ride at the Caulfield Cup the following week. Payne was the third female jockey to ride in the Caulfield Cup.
As a first-timer in the 2009 Melbourne Cup, she rode Cummings' Allez Wonder with a riding weight of 50.5 kg. The horse was placed 16th in the field of 23. In 2010 Payne rode Yosei to victory in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Michelle Payne has kept her personal life relatively private, she has often spoken fondly of her family, particularly her late father who supported her dream of becoming a jockey. As of 2025, Michelle is reportedly in a relationship but has not disclosed details about her boyfriend. Her commitment to her career and passion for racing often takes precedence, making her dating life a subject of curiosity among fans.
The youngest child of ten of Paddy and Mary Payne, Payne grew up on a farm at Miners Rest, a locality near Ballarat in central Victoria, Australia. Her mother Mary died in a motor vehicle crash when Payne was six months old, leaving her father Paddy to raise their ten children as a single father.
Payne dreamt of being a winning jockey as a child, and, at the age of seven she told her friends that she would one day win the Melbourne Cup. She attended Our Lady Help of Christians primary school and Loreto College, Ballarat, and entered racing aged 15, the eighth of the Payne children to do so. She has Irish New Zealand heritage.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michelle Payne's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Her successful career as a jockey, coupled with endorsements and public appearances, contributes significantly to her earnings. Winning the Melbourne Cup undoubtedly boosted her financial status, along with various sponsorships and business ventures in the equestrian world.
Career, Business and Investments
Michelle's career trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. After her historic win, she became an advocate for women in sports and has participated in numerous campaigns promoting equality in horse racing. In addition to her successful riding career, Michelle has ventured into various businesses related to horse training and racing, ensuring her presence in the industry extends beyond just riding. Her strategic investments in equestrian-related enterprises showcase her keen business acumen.
Social Network
Michelle Payne is active on social media, where she connects with her fans and shares insights into her life as a professional jockey. She can be found on platforms such as:
- Instagram - where she shares her racing journey and personal milestones.
- Twitter - where she engages with fans and discusses current events in horse racing.
Education
Michelle's education primarily revolved around her early training in horse racing. While specific details on her formal education remain sparse, it is evident that her hands-on experience and mentorship throughout her career have served as her most valuable education. This practical learning has contributed to her exceptional skills and understanding of the sport.
On 23 June 2017, Payne was stood down from racing after she had tested positive for the drug phentermine, an appetite suppressant banned under Australian Rule of Racing 81B. The traces were found in Payne's urine from a test taken on 11 June 2017, at the Swan Hill Cup meeting. Payne faced an inquiry by Racing Victoria stewards on 29 June 2017.
Payne pleaded guilty to taking the appetite suppressant phentermine and was banned for four weeks until 21 July 2017. Payne said after the investigation "The onus is 100 per cent with me … I regret not seeking more guidance, I wasn’t thorough, and that is completely my fault. My sincere apologies to everyone."
