‘Seeing is believing’: Michelle Payne gives credit to the female jockeys who have paved the way

The former jockey has paid tribute to the women in racing who “broke down barriers” as she gets set to mark the 10th anniversary of her famous Melbourne Cup win on Prince of Penzance.

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Michelle Payne has paid tribute to the females who inspired her journey to becoming a champion.

As the 10th anniversary of her famous Melbourne Cup win nears in November, the former jockey says it’s a credit to those before her who paved the way.

“It’s amazing how time flies,’’ Payne said of her 2015 victory on Prince of Penzance.

Michelle Payne won the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

“The amount of female jockeys that now have the opportunity, that’s all we could hope for. To think I was only the fourth female ever to ride in the race and we had four riding in it last year, I just think it’s so good.

“I only got to that place myself because I had others to look up to. A lot had to do with my older sisters and my brothers too. Especially the girls because they had to break down barriers. Seeing is believing.”

Payne, an avid tennis fan, is one of the headline guests at Tuesday’s Women in Sport hosted by Emirates.

Retired tennis champion Ash Barty, golfer Hannah Green, former Olympic swimmer Nicole Livingstone and AFLW trailblazer Daisy Pearce are also attending in the Emirates suite with Abbey Gelmi the MC.

“I’ve been loving attending this year and supporting our women in sport,’’ Payne said.

“It’s fantastic to be invited by Emirates, the sponsor the year I won the Melbourne Cup. Their support is as special as it can be.”

Love match for AFL star and retired netballer

The AFL’s newest WAG Kelsey Browne has told how she bonded with her footballer beau over his dog.

The retired netball star is dating Fremantle and former Melbourne ruckman Luke Jackson, who is 10 years her junior.

“He asked me if I wanted to walk the dog, Cliff,’’ she said.

“He said you don’t know anyone in Perth, let me show you around and we ended up in Africa.

Retired netball star Kelsey Browne. Picture: Getty

Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson. Picture: Getty

“When they didn’t make finals we booked a trip and you know you’re enjoying each others’ company when you can do that.”

Browne is basing herself between Melbourne and Perth while working for ESPN’s NBL coverage.

The low key pair are managing long distance while they pursue their careers.

Browne stepped out with AFLW footballer Elle Bennetts for the KIA Sunday Session hosted by Dylan Alcott.

A star studded group gathered at the Australian Open including Buddy and Jesinta Franklin and UFC star Alexander Volkanovski.

Franklin caught up with former Hawks teammates Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead.

They all reunited at the tennis, with the Franklins in town from the Gold Coast and Hodge here from Brisbane as he continues celebrations for his 40th birthday.

Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Buddy Franklin and Jordan Lewis.

Others at the KIA event included Morgan Mitchell, Harry Garside, Jess and Sarah Hosking, Brooke Warne, Akec Makur Chuot and Marc and Jessie Murphy.