Melbourne Cup: Michelle Payne says she had a feeling she was going to win, talks about gender inequality frustration in horse-racing

Michelle Payne made history after becoming the first lady jockey to win the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Payne, who guided New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance, revealed that she already had a feeling that she would emerge victorious in the 155th edition of Australia’s most prestigious horse-racing event.

“My sister Margaret and I both had a feeling we would win this race,” Payne said in an article by The Guardian. “It’s such a chauvinistic sport, a lot of owners wanted to kick me off, everyone else can get stuffed (who) think women aren’t good enough.

Payne said that winning the Melbourne Cup was everybody’s dream. She added that the Prince of Penzance went through rigorous training to get in great shape on race day at Flemington racecourse. Payne’s trainer, Weir, couldn’t be happier with the jockey's victory.

The 30-year-old lady jockey also received flattering messages on Twitter, with many applauding Payne for a great ride not only for herself, but also for women in general.

Michelle & Stevie Payne proving women & people with disabilities can do anything. Bloody wonderful stuff. #MelbourneCup
— Chris Bath (@ChrisBathTV) November 3, 2015

We love your hustle @mj_payne, congratulations!! Do you have a favourite NRL team? Hint: we'd love you in #blueandgold. #MelbourneCup
— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) November 3, 2015

A big "get stuffed" to chauvinism in sport! I love Michelle Payne! #MelbourneCup
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) November 3, 2015

History in the #melbournecup as Michelle Payne becomes the first woman to ever win the big one on Prince of Penzance #girlpower #greatride
— Mark Geyer (@markMGgeyer) November 3, 2015

The New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance claimed the first place, followed by French horse Max Dynamite. Third place was claimed by New Zealand horse Criterion.

Japanese horse Fame Game, one of 11 international horses competing in the race, was the favourite to win but finished in 13th place. Another favourite, Red Cardeaux, broke down ahead of the finish line with an injured leg. Red Cardeaux was a three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up.

2015 Melbourne Cup Race Results (Jockey)

1. Prince of Penzance (Michelle Payne)

2. Max Dynamite (Frankie Dettori)

3. Criterion (Michael Walker)

4. Trip to Paris (Tommy Berry)

5. Big Orange (Jamie Spencer)

6. Gust of Wind (Chad Schofield)

7. Excess Knowledge (Kerrin McEvoy)

8. The Offer (Damien Oliver)

9. Quest for More (Damian Lane)

10. Our Ivanhowe (Ben Melham)

11. Who Shot Thebarman (Blake Shinn)