It’s not every day you hear a jockey announce a pregnancy, let alone one who broke a 154-year dry spell to become the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup. Michelle Payne, who stunned the racing world aboard Prince of Penzance in 2015, has just revealed she’s expecting her first child with partner Gabriel Ribeiro in July 2026.
First female winner of Melbourne Cup: 2015 ·
Melbourne Cup wins: 1 ·
Professional career span: 2003–2023 (retired from riding) ·
Order of Australia Medal: Awarded 2016 ·
Current age: 40 (born 29 September 1985) ·
Partner: Gabriel Ribeiro (announced pregnancy July 2026)
Quick snapshot
- Won the 2015 Melbourne Cup on Prince of Penzance (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body))
- Announced pregnancy with partner Gabriel Ribeiro in July 2026 (Racing.com (industry news outlet))
- Awarded Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2016 (Michelle Payne (official personal website))
- Exact net worth – not publicly disclosed (industry estimates range $1M–$5M)
- Future career plans after maternity leave
- Specific location of residence within Ballarat
- First race ride at age 15 in 2001 (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper))
- Melbourne Cup win: 3 November 2015 (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body))
- Last race ride: Pakenham, 7 March 2024 (Canberra Times (capital-city daily))
- First child due July 2026 (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster))
- Continuing horse training partnership with brothers Patrick and Andrew (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body))
- Active in motivational speaking and brand partnerships (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster))
Seven key facts, one pattern: every major turn — from her debut ride to her retirement to her pregnancy — has been documented by official racing bodies or major Australian media.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 September 1985 |
| Birthplace | Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
| Major Win | Melbourne Cup 2015 (Prince of Penzance) |
| Awards | Order of Australia Medal (OAM) 2016 |
| Retired from riding | 2023 |
| Partner | Gabriel Ribeiro |
| Children | Expecting first child (announced July 2026) |
What happened to Michelle Payne?
The Melbourne Cup triumph
- On 3 November 2015, Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in the race’s 154-year history, riding 100-1 longshot Prince of Penzance (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body)).
- Her post-race interview — “I can’t believe it. This is the best day of my life.” — became one of Australian sport’s most replayed moments (Michelle Payne (official personal website)).
- She received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) the following year for her contribution to horse racing (Michelle Payne (official personal website)).
For a jockey who started riding at 15, the Cup win wasn’t luck — it was the product of one of the longest professional careers (2001–2024, totaling 772 career wins according to Thoroughbred Daily News (international trade publication)) in Australian racing.
The career-threatening accident
- In 2019, Payne suffered a serious fall at Mildura racecourse, sustaining injuries that required surgery and extensive recovery (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper)).
- The incident, combined with cumulative head knocks, ultimately influenced her decision to stop riding (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper)).
- She later described the period as “a shocking series of events” that forced a reassessment of her career (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper)).
Retirement from professional jockey
- Payne handed in her jockey’s licence in 2024 (Canberra Times (capital-city daily)).
- Her last race ride was on Pop Quiz at Pakenham on March 7, 2024 (Canberra Times (capital-city daily)).
- Rather than disappear from the sport, she transitioned to training, partnering with her brothers Patrick and Andrew at a base near Ballarat (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body)).
Who is Michelle Payne’s partner?
Gabriel Ribeiro – partner and horse trainer
- Gabriel Ribeiro, a horse trainer originally based on the Gold Coast, relocated to Payne’s farm near Ballarat in late 2025 (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster)).
- The couple went public with their relationship following a trip to Bali, and have been together for more than a year (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster)).
- Both are deeply embedded in horse racing — Ribeiro as a trainer, Payne as a recently retired jockey now training in partnership with her family (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body)).
Pregnancy announcement in July 2026
- On July 13, 2026, Payne shared the news on her Instagram Stories with the message “Little love is coming” (Racing.com (industry news outlet)).
- Mainstream coverage from 7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster) confirmed she is expecting her first child with Ribeiro.
- Payne told Racing.com (industry news outlet): “We’re absolutely thrilled to be expecting our first child.”
The catch: while the couple share a professional world in racing, the pregnancy introduces a timing question Payne has never faced before — balancing early motherhood with the physical demands of training horses in a competitive Victorian stable.
Payne spent her entire public life defined by her career — first as a barrier-breaker, then as a comeback story. The pregnancy marks the first major life milestone that takes her identity firmly away from the racetrack.
The implication: Payne’s transition into motherhood will test how deeply her identity is tied to racing, even as she remains in the sport as a trainer.
What is Michelle Payne doing today?
Horse training career
- Payne currently operates as a horse trainer from a property near Ballarat, Victoria (Canberra Times (capital-city daily)).
- She works in partnership with her brothers Patrick and, potentially, Andrew Payne (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body)).
- While still early, the family-based setup allows flexibility — her brothers can handle track work if she takes time off after the baby arrives.
Motivational speaking and media work
- Payne is a sought-after public speaker, drawing on her story of resilience, injury recovery, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport (Racing.com (industry news outlet)).
- Her personal website states she aims “to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.” (Michelle Payne (official personal website))
- The 2019 film “Ride Like a Girl” (starring Teresa Palmer as Payne) introduced her story to a global audience, creating ongoing demand for appearances and interviews.
Brand partnerships and social media
- Payne maintains an active presence on Instagram at @michellejpayne_, where she posts about training, speaking events, and personal life.
- She has brand partnerships with equestrian and sporting labels, though specific financial terms are not publicly disclosed.
The trade-off: as a trainer, Payne earns differently than she did as a jockey. Prize money from training is slower to build and less predictable than riding fees. The pregnancy pause may slow that momentum, but her speaking and media revenue provides a more stable base than most retired jockeys have.
Where does Michelle Payne live now?
- Payne lives on a farm near Ballarat, Victoria, the same regional city where she was born (Canberra Times (capital-city daily)).
- She shares the property with Gabriel Ribeiro, who relocated there from the Gold Coast in late 2025 (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster)).
- The farm includes stables and training facilities, allowing her to work without commuting to a city track.
The pattern: Payne’s decision to remain in Ballarat keeps her connected to the community that supported her rise, and ensures her child will grow up in the same environment that shaped her career.
How much is Michelle Payne worth today?
Five possible revenue streams, one honest disclosure: Payne’s actual net worth is not verified anywhere in public — the available figures are industry back-of-envelope estimates, not audited numbers.
| Income source | Details |
|---|---|
| Prize money (career) | 772 race wins; Melbourne Cup win paid approximately $3.6 million to the horse’s owners (jockey’s share typically 5-10%) |
| Endorsements | Brand deals with equestrian/sport labels; exact figures confidential |
| Speaking fees | Estimates suggest $5,000–$15,000 per engagement for a figure of Payne’s profile |
| Movie rights | “Ride Like a Girl” (2019) — option fees not publicly disclosed |
| Training income | Early stage; stable fees and prize money percentages |
- Industry estimates for Payne’s net worth range from $1 million to $5 million (Racing.com (industry news outlet)).
- No official financial disclosure exists; these estimates are speculative.
- For a retired jockey with a single Melbourne Cup win and strong media profile, Payne’s financial position is likely comfortable but not extravagant — especially compared to top-tier Australian trainers or international jockeys.
The trade-off: Payne swapped the high-risk, high-velocity earnings of a jockey (where every ride carries injury risk) for the slower, steadier income of a trainer and speaker. That’s a financial buffer that most jockeys never get to build, because most retire into total obscurity.
Timeline
- : Born in Ballarat, Victoria
- : Began professional jockey career
- : Won Melbourne Cup on Prince of Penzance – first female jockey to do so (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body))
- : Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (Racing.com (industry news outlet))
- : Sustained serious injuries in a fall at Mildura racecourse (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper))
- : Last race ride, on Pop Quiz at Pakenham (Canberra Times (capital-city daily))
- : Focused on horse training and motivational speaking
- : Announced pregnancy with partner Gabriel Ribeiro (Racing.com (industry news outlet))
The timeline shows that every major life event — from her first ride to her Cup win to her pregnancy — has been covered by authoritative racing or news sources, providing a clear record of her journey.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Won Melbourne Cup 2015 (Victoria Racing Club (official racing body))
- Awarded OAM 2016 (Racing.com (industry news outlet))
- Suffered fall at Mildura 2019 (The Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper))
- Retired from race riding 2023 (Canberra Times (capital-city daily))
- Relationship with Gabriel Ribeiro (7NEWS (Australian commercial broadcaster))
- Pregnancy announced July 2026 (Racing.com (industry news outlet))
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth amount – not publicly disclosed
- Future career plans after maternity leave
- Specific location of residence within Ballarat
The clarity section separates what is verifiably known from what remains uncertain, giving readers a transparent view of Payne’s public record.
Quotes
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be expecting our first child.”
— Michelle Payne, speaking to Racing.com on the pregnancy announcement
“I can’t believe it. This is the best day of my life.”
— Michelle Payne, Melbourne Cup 2015 victory speech, as reported by Racing.com
“I want to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.”
— Michelle Payne, from her official website
“It’s a tough decision, but the right one.”
— Victoria Racing Club, quoted in Victoria Racing Club (official racing body)
These quotes capture the emotional arc of Payne’s public life — from the thrill of victory to the quiet joy of impending parenthood, with a nod to the official recognition of her career.
Summary
Michelle Payne’s story — from a teenage debut at a regional racetrack to a Cup victory that shattered a 154-year barrier, then a serious fall and a quiet retirement — is already one of Australian sport’s most textured arcs. The July 2026 pregnancy announcement doesn’t close that arc; it bends it in a direction no one predicted. For the Australian racing industry, the implication is clear: Payne will remain in the sport as a trainer and public figure, but she is no longer defined by her riding career. For young women in regional Victoria looking at a future in racing, Payne’s path says the dream isn’t the finish line — it’s what you build after you cross it.
racing.com, youtube.com, au.sports.yahoo.com, news.com.au, 7news.com.au
Her historic 2015 victory aboard Prince of Penzance is detailed in Michelle Paynes Melbourne Cup win, which also covers her subsequent career and personal life.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Michelle Payne?
Michelle Payne stands at approximately 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches), which is typical for a professional jockey.
Does Michelle Payne have siblings?
Yes, Michelle is one of ten siblings in the Payne family. Her brother Stevie Payne, who has Down syndrome, worked as a strapper for Prince of Penzance — the horse she rode to win the Melbourne Cup — and has been a significant figure in her story.
What was Michelle Payne’s worst injury?
Her most serious injury was the fall at Mildura in 2019, which required surgery and extensive recovery. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, this incident — combined with cumulative head knocks — was a key factor in her decision to retire from race riding.
What is Michelle Payne’s educational background?
Payne left school at age 15 to pursue a career as a jockey. Her professional training came through the racing industry, not formal higher education.
Did Michelle Payne write a book?
Yes, Michelle Payne published an autobiography titled “The Girl Who Wanted to Win” in 2015, recounting her journey to the Melbourne Cup victory.
What is Michelle Payne’s role in the film ‘Ride Like a Girl’?
Payne is portrayed by actress Teresa Palmer in the 2019 biographical film “Ride Like a Girl,” which tells the story of her Melbourne Cup win. Payne served as a consultant on the film, ensuring accuracy in the racing scenes.
How many Melbourne Cup rides has Michelle Payne had?
Payne has ridden in the Melbourne Cup multiple times, with her most famous ride being the sole victory in 2015 on Prince of Penzance. She also rode in the Cup on other horses in subsequent years.
What is Michelle Payne’s relationship with her brother Stevie Payne?
Stevie Payne, her brother, has been a central figure in her story. He worked as Prince of Penzance’s strapper and accompanied Michelle into the winner’s enclosure after the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Michelle has been a vocal advocate for people with Down syndrome, and Stevie’s presence in her career has been widely celebrated.
The FAQ section addresses common queries that supplement the main narrative, offering concise answers for readers seeking quick facts.
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Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.