Payne family mourning death of sister and former jockey Bernadette Payne

Tragedy has again struck one of Victorian racing’s famous families after the death of former jockey Bernadette Payne.

Bernadette Payne with sister Michelle Payne (left) and winning the Strathalbyn Cup on Double Gin in 1994.

Tragedy has again struck one of Victorian racing’s famous families after the death of former jockey Bernadette Payne.

Racing Victoria confirmed Ms Payne’s passing on Tuesday on behalf of the Payne family, which includes Melbourne Cup-winning rider Michelle Payne and former star jockey turned successful trainer Patrick.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Bernadette has passed away,” the Payne family’s statement read.

“She had a very difficult and challenging time in recent years and we find solace in the hope that she is now at peace.

“She was loved by many throughout her life.

“We ask that our family’s privacy is respected at this time. Thank you.”

Bernadette Payne with racehorse Padre at Peter Jolly’s stables in 1995.

Ms Payne, 51, was one of eight of Ballarat trainer Paddy Payne’s 10 children to become a jockey, riding almost 200 winners before retiring in 2009.

Bernadette is the second of the Payne siblings to pass prematurely after her sister Brigid died from a heart attack in 2007, aged 36.

The Payne family racing journey is remarkable considering the loss of matriarch Mary in a car accident suddenly left Paddy and the older children to raise their younger siblings.

“The older kids they were just unbelievable, Brigid had to move away from home and went to be an apprentice but Therese she just took over the role as the mum,” Michelle, the youngest of the Payne children said in a Racing.com interview last year.

“Bernadette was 11 years old and getting up in the middle of the night feeding me.

“Amazing what they did and just without any fuss they just did what they had to do.

“It was just incredible that they got through it and that they’re so strong.”

Ms Payne’s funeral details are likely to be confirmed in the coming days.

Need to talk to someone?

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Originally published as Payne family mourning death of sister and former jockey Bernadette Payne