Michelle Payne Brings Melbourne Cup to Ballarat
Michelle Payne, a Ballarat jockey turned trainer, has brought the Melbourne Cup back to her hometown, nearly a decade after her historic win on Prince of Penzance.
Her achievements are really inspiring for this community.
Payne and her cup-winning horse were reunited on Drummond Street, outside Ballarat Base Hospital, where she was born, as part of the 2025 Melbourne Cup tour.
- The 2016 Melbourne Cup-winning horse, Almandin, also joined the tour from Living Legends.
- Payne and the $850,000 trophy visited the orthopedic ward to bring joy to patients.
Payne notes that winning the Melbourne Cup now is harder than ever.
Author's summary: Michelle Payne returns Melbourne Cup to Ballarat.