Jockey Michelle Payne yet to make decision on return to racing after injury

MELBOURNE Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne is back riding trackwork after suffering serious injuries, but does she have the fire in her belly for a big return?

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne is keeping her options open. Picture: Alex Coppel

VICTORIAN Jockeys’ Association chief executive Des O’Keeffe has reiterated that Michelle Payne still hasn’t made up her mind as to whether she is going to return to the saddle.

As reported in the Herald Sun on July 18, Payne continues to ride trackwork at Ballarat as she contemplates her decision regarding a return.

Payne has applied for a dual trainer-jockeys licence which only became available to jockeys on August 1.

“Her recovery is going well. She still hasn’t made a call regarding riding again. She has spent a lot of time into getting her trainer’s licence,” O’Keeffe said.

“She will be guided by doctors and her family and she will make the right call.”

The Melbourne Cup winning jockey has been sidelined after having had pancreatic surgery after suffering injuries in a racefall at Mildura on May 23.

Payne is heading to Darwin and will ride the last leg of the Cycling For Simone which is the culmination of a 26-day ride from Streaky Bay to Darwin to raise funds for the family of jockey

Simone Montgomerie who died in a race fall on Darwin Cup Day in 2013.

The race ends at the Fannie Bay racecourse tomorrow afternoon.

Payne tweeted yesterday morning: “Great to be joining you guys in the ride for Simone!”

Michelle Payne became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup last year. Picture: AFP

Originally published as Jockey Michelle Payne yet to make decision on return to racing after injury