Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne feels that the hype surrounding Jamie Kah will be “tiring her out” as she closes in on 100 metro wins for the season.
“It’s not that easy, all the attention. It’s all good meaning but it is so hard. She’s doing a great job, but it will be tiring her out,” Payne said on RSN 927.
The horse racing industry is often regarded as a man’s world, but female participation is at an all-time high, both on and off the track, and Payne feels that the racing industry has finally accepted females in the industry as a norm.
“It’s only now that we have reached something like total acceptance,” she said.
“There are now so many very good female riders coming through. Jamie has set the bar at a new level and hopefully it can continue.”
Kah currently holds the record for most G1 wins (6) as a female jockey, just one ahead of Payne(5). However, the Ballarat-based trainer feels her most recent addition (Serlik) to her stable will give her the best chance in equaling the standings.
Payne purchased the colt for $500,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for star striker Sardar Azmoun - also known as the Iranian Messi.
“I’m so excited about this horse and he’s the one who most keeps me interested. I’m hoping he’s the one who wins me another Group One and draws me level with Jamie,” she added.
“But I’ve got a feeling Jamie will keep winning Group Ones so it might become mission impossible.”
Payne is currently on the sidelines, having escaped serious injury despite being kicked in the face and leg by a horse at Ballarat.
"I thought I was being a sook"
— News Racing (@superracing) June 30, 2021
Michelle Payne was kicked in the face and leg by a horse and has provided details of the frightening incident: https://t.co/fSVioC6Vt1 @gilbertgardiner pic.twitter.com/Q81ajE7FYI
