Back on board: Script puts to rest Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne’s film fears

MICHELLE Payne is fully behind a big-screen adaptation of her historic victory in Australia’s greatest horse race.

Michelle Payne judging the Longines Award for Elegance. Picture: Supplied

MICHELLE Payne is fully behind a big-screen adaptation of her historic victory in Australia’s greatest horse race.

MICHELLE PAYNE TO MENTOR YOUNG WOMEN

Payne, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2015 aboard 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance, initially distanced herself from the $15 million film, titled Ride Like A Girl, that will be directed by acclaimed actor Rachel Griffiths, saying she was “overwhelmed” by the project.

However, as the film moves towards locking in a cast and production start date, Payne has revealed she is now very much a supporter and is delighted with the script.

Michelle Payne is excited about the feature film. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It was too overwhelming initially and it took me a little while to read the script because I was a bit apprehensive about it, but now I could not be happier,” Payne said.

“I was very nervous about it and was concerned about my family. I did not want to upset anybody, that was my main thing.

“It was new to all of us, we were all nervous about it to be honest, but now it is something that I am excited about and they are too.”

Payne, who last week was honoured in Washington with the Longines Ladies Awards as a global achiever in the equestrian world, said she was looking forward to meeting the actor who will play her on screen.

Michelle Payne returns to scale after the Melbourne Cup win.

And she said she had “100 per cent confidence” in Griffiths, who will make her feature film directorial debut with Ride Like A Girl.

As for her history-making Cup partner, Prince of Penzance, Payne said she had asked if the horse could retire to her farm at Ballarat.

“I asked, but (trainer) Darren (Weir) has had him for his entire career and nursed him back from all of his injuries, and trained him to win the Melbourne Cup, so he is very special to him as well,” she said.

“I believe he is heading to Darren’s farm where he will have a lovely retirement.”

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