Racing icon honoured with statue at Flemington

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) have unveiled a statue of national racing icon Michelle Payne at Flemington.

Michelle shot to superstardom in 2015 when she became the first female jockey in history to win Australia’s most iconic race - the Melbourne Cup - aboard Prince of Penzance.

The statue has been sculpted by Judith Leman.

This is the fifth statue to be unveiled at Flemington Racecourse alongside racing icons Bart Cummings and Roy Higgins and equine legends Phar Lap and Makybe Diva.

See VRC's official statement on Michelle Payne's statue below:

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today unveiled a statue of national icon and Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne OAM at Flemington Racecourse.

A decade after capturing global attention as the first female jockey to win the Cup, aboard Prince of Penzance, Payne’s statue was unveiled in front of family, friends and supporters.

The statue celebrates Payne’s remarkable career and the profound impact her history-making ride has had on inspiring greater female participation in racing across Australia and around the world.

Created by acclaimed artist Judith Leman and generously funded by philanthropist Lady Marigold Southey AC, the statue joins Flemington’s collection of racing greats including Bart Cummings, Roy Higgins, Phar Lap and Makybe Diva.

Michelle Payne OAM said she felt privileged to be recognised alongside some of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

“My life changed in 2015 when I won the Lexus Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance, and it has been the most amazing journey since. To now have a statue here at Flemington is truly extraordinary; it feels very surreal,” Payne said.

“As a young girl, the Melbourne Cup was the race I dreamed of winning and knowing that dream came true fills me with immense pride.”

“My hope is that everyone who views this statue feels encouraged to chase their dreams and ambitions, no matter how big they are.”

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said Payne’s legacy extends well beyond her accomplishments on the racetrack.

“Michelle is an inspiration to countless Australians, and a powerful ambassador for female participation and the sport of horse racing,” Wilson said.

“We are proud to recognise Michelle’s achievements and her rightful place amongst some of the legends of our sport.”

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Lady Marigold Southey, whose generosity made this tribute possible and artist Judith Leman, whose exceptional craftsmanship has given us a permanent piece of racing history at Flemington.”

Artist Judith Leman said her passion for horse racing helped inspire the statue.

“I wanted to create a sculpture that not only celebrates an incredible sporting moment but also one that allows people to form an emotional connection with,” Leman said.

“Michelle’s statue is designed to represent and honour her remarkable journey, her inner strength we have all come to respect, and the inspirational power her Cup-winning ride has generated for more than a decade.”