Michelle Payne created history on Tuesday as she became the first female rider to win the Emirates Melbourne Cup, riding outsider Prince Of Penzance to victory at Flemington.
However, the landmark win was overshadowed by a suspected fetlock injury to veteran Red Cadeaux, who was pulled up before the line in his fifth appearance in the two-mile feature. Racing Victoria reported that the horse was transferred to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic for assessment.
Payne's triumph was a family affair, with her brother Stevie, who has Down's Syndrome, leading up the winner. Stevie works for trainer Darren Weir, who also trained Prince Of Penzance. The Payne family are well known in Australian racing, with father Paddy a former jockey and several siblings involved in the sport.
In the race, Payne settled her mount early as British runners set the pace. She produced Prince Of Penzance with a clear run down the middle of the track to secure victory, while Frankie Dettori on Max Dynamite had to switch wide for a challenge.
