Michelle Payne cites illness as she storms out of London press conference for Shergar Cup

MICHELLE Payne could pull out of a major international racing festival following a heated run-in with an official who appeared to ignore the Australian jockey’s ill health.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 29: Jockey Michelle Payne arrives ahead of a hearing into her alleged positive test for banned substance on June 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

MICHELLE Payne could pull out of a major international racing festival following a heated run-in with an official at a promotional event in London.

Payne and her brother-in-law Kerrin McEvoy arrived unwell on Thursday after a long flight from Melbourne and McEvoy pulled out of marathon Shergar Cup media commitments, which Payne attended.

The function was held at a London pub and Payne attended with four other riders.

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After two hours of interviews and promotional requirements, Payne advised an Ascot official that she was unwell but was told she had to remain for a further four hours.

She stormed out and is considering pulling out of the Shergar Cup at Ascot early Sunday (our time). The Shergar Cup is regarded as the world‘s most famous jockey challenge and Payne is a member of a four-woman squad. Apprentice Hollie Doyle will replace Payne if she can’t fulfil her riding commitments.

“They wouldn’t let me leave,’’ Payne told the Herald Sun. “I was up all night sick and told the lady when we left for the press conference.

Michelle Payne at Surfers Paradise beach

“She said we’d be two hours then they’d have a car bring us back. Four hours later she said “no you can’t leave and you have to speak to all these interviews’’ – six more — asking all the same questions, and that the car wasn’t ready to go back anyway.

“I told them “I told you I was sick’’ and caught an Uber back to Ascot. Was in bed sick all afternoon, and I'm still unwell.’’

She has been feeling a little under the weather since arriving in the UK, however, Hollie Doyle has kindly agreed to be on standby. (2/3)

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) August 11, 2017

Payne said a bug was “going around’’ in sporting circles in England and said the illness — combined with her anger — could prompt her withdrawal from the Ascot meeting.

“I’m not a spoilt little brat. If I don’t improve I probably won’t have a choice anyway. Worst part is Kerrin’s sick too.

“A lot of athletes from the athletics (World Championships) were sick as well. Usually I’m pretty tough but they were asking too much.’’

Originally published as Michelle Payne cites illness as she storms out of London press conference for Shergar Cup