Michelle Payne: Australia’s ‘First Lady’ | CNN

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Sports

Melbourne Cup 2015: How Michelle Payne stopped a nation

Published 8:15 AM EST, Tue November 3, 2015
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Michelle Payne rocked the world of racing by becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. <br /><br />
Michelle Payne rocked the world of racing by becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.

Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The Melbourne Cup is known as the "race that stops a nation" such is the interest in the event. It's not just the cup that stops Australia -- it's high stakes in the fashion world too.<br />
The Melbourne Cup is known as the "race that stops a nation" such is the interest in the event. It's not just the cup that stops Australia -- it's high stakes in the fashion world too.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for the VRC
The Melbourne Cup was given its own entrance parade ahead of the race.
The Melbourne Cup was given its own entrance parade ahead of the race.
Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Australian beauty pageant titleholder and television reporter.Rachael Finch poses at the Myer Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse.
Australian beauty pageant titleholder and television reporter.Rachael Finch poses at the Myer Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse.
Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The celebrities were out in force with Lleyton Hewitt, the Australian tennis player, just one famous face at the racecourse.
The celebrities were out in force with Lleyton Hewitt, the Australian tennis player, just one famous face at the racecourse.
Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Of course, hats aren't just for women. Here designer Phillip Rhodes poses on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia.
Of course, hats aren't just for women. Here designer Phillip Rhodes poses on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia.
Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images for the VRC
There were 24 horses competing for a chance at sporting immortality.
There were 24 horses competing for a chance at sporting immortality.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Just the fourth woman to compete in the race in its 155-year history,  Payne rode New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance to victory.
Just the fourth woman to compete in the race in its 155-year history, Payne rode New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance to victory.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Prince of Penzance cost $36,000 but came up trumps to win the $2.6 million top prize. <br />
Prince of Penzance cost $36,000 but came up trumps to win the $2.6 million top prize.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Payne was mobbed by adoring fans after her surprise triumph.
Payne was mobbed by adoring fans after her surprise triumph.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Payne, one of 10 kids, celebrated the victory with her family.
Payne, one of 10 kids, celebrated the victory with her family.
Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Payne celebrated her triumph with brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome. Stevie works as her strapper.
Payne celebrated her triumph with brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome. Stevie works as her strapper.
Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
DJ Nussy was on the decks as she entertained the crowds at Flemington.
DJ Nussy was on the decks as she entertained the crowds at Flemington.
Wayne Taylor/Getty Images AsiaPac
Singer Craig David was also on hand to entertain the Flemington masses.
Singer Craig David was also on hand to entertain the Flemington masses.
Wayne Taylor/Getty Images AsiaPac
Supported by cello and violins, singer Nathaniel also performed at the racecourse.
Supported by cello and violins, singer Nathaniel also performed at the racecourse.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac
There was a huge crowd at Flemington to witness Payne's landmark win.
There was a huge crowd at Flemington to witness Payne's landmark win.
Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Mobiles were very much at the ready to capture events both on and off the track.
Mobiles were very much at the ready to capture events both on and off the track.
Olivia Yasukawa
Crowds gather in Sydney's Martin Place -- <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2014%2F12%2F15%2Fworld%2Fasia%2Faustralia-sydney-hostage-situation%2F">where the Lindt  Chocolate Cafe shooting took place in December 2014</a> -- to watch the race.
Crowds gather in Sydney's Martin Place -- where the Lindt Chocolate Cafe shooting took place in December 2014 -- to watch the race.
Bridget Yasukawa
At the end of a long hard day's horse racing seagulls gather at Flemington to see what might be on the menu.
At the end of a long hard day's horse racing seagulls gather at Flemington to see what might be on the menu.
Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
With all eyes glued on events at Flemington, there wasn't a soul to be seen studying at the Australian National University's Law Library in Canberra.
With all eyes glued on events at Flemington, there wasn't a soul to be seen studying at the Australian National University's Law Library in Canberra.
Louisa Yasukawa

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