Michelle Payne Claims Historic Melbourne Cup

Six years ago Michelle Payne became only the fourth woman to ride in the Melbourne Cup. Yesterday, she became the first to win Australia’s great race.

Payne left little doubt about some of the challenges she had to face when immediately after the race she said she was proud to prove people wrong in a "chauvinistic sport" while also telling the doubters to "get stuffed".

The racetrack rumour mill suggested Prince Of Penzance's owners, who had stuck with Payne in 22 of the horse's 23 starts, were about to buckle. They wanted another jockey for the Big One yet Payne prevailed, winning the Cup on a horse that started at 100-1, getting into the vicinity of previous odds of longshots Old Rowley (1940), Wotan (1936) and The Pearl (1871).

"To think that Darren Weir has given me a go and it's such a chauvinistic sport, I know some of the owners were keen to kick me off, and John Richards and Darren stuck strongly with me, and I put in all the effort I could and galloped him all I could because I thought he had what it takes to win the Melbourne Cup and I can't say how grateful I am to them," Payne told Channel Seven after the race. "I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything and we can beat the world.

MORE: How Women's Health reported the historic event

"This win puts Aussie sportswomen front and centre on the national radar - exactly where they belong" said Women's Health acting editor Rachelle Mackintosh.

"Michelle is an outstanding athlete who we've featured in the mag before precisely because she embodies the spirit of a true champion," she continued.

"Her win will only add to the many achievements of our other female athletes but encourage others to follow their dreams,” said Jackie Frank, Men’s Health and Women’s Health publisher.

“It's breaking boundaries and it goes beyond sport to show that women given the opportunity can achieve not only equality but excel.”