Ride Like A Girl star Stevie Payne praised by director Rachel Griffiths

RACHEL Griffiths has praised Michelle Payne’s brother, Stevie, who is set to make his film debut in a movie depicting his sister’s rise and historic Melbourne Cup triumph, with the film about to receive a funding boost.

RACHEL Griffiths has praised Michelle Payne’s brother, Stevie, who is set to make his film debut in Ride Like A Girl.

Stevie, the strapper for 2015 Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance, will play himself in the movie depicting Payne’s rise and historic triumph.

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Acclaimed actor Griffiths, the film’s director, said Stevie was a natural choice.

“He did a beautiful audition,’’ Griffiths said.

“I’m a little concerned his sisters are making him buff for the role. He just had a bit of an air of a movie star about him.

“Stevie had a great journey since Prince won and has certainly been an amazing spokesperson and representative of what people with intellectual disabilities are capable of. We hope to support that message even further with the film.”

Michelle Payne with brother Stevie and Prince of Penzance. Picture: David Caird

Michelle Payne holds the 2015 Melbourne Cup with brother Stevie. Picture: David Caird

Michelle Payne and Rachel Griffiths, who says Stevie Payne has “a bit of an air of a movie star about him”. Picture: Reg Ryan

The movie will receive a major boost on Friday with key funding to be announced in Payne’s home town of Ballarat.

A partnership between Racing Victoria, the Victorian Government and Tabcorp will support the film, which will begin shooting on April 16.

A five-day shoot is to take place from May 7 in Ballarat.

Michelle Payne with brother Stevie holding the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup and Prince of Penzance. Picture: David Caird

“Stevie’s so excited about playing himself in the film, he’s even been on a diet in preparation,’’ Payne said. “He must have celebrated well after the Cup, so he’s getting back into shape now.

“It would be hard to get someone to replace Stevie.

“I am really excited about the movie and the fact that Stevie will be in it.”

Griffiths paid tribute to the inspirational Payne family.

“It was a huge kind of awakening the moment she crossed the line, and then when we met Stevie it was a double whammy,’’ she said.

“Our biggest challenge is to depict this world authentically. And really make it universal and very specific and true. Not a Disney version of it.

“Everything that we remember about why we fell in love with this family and why we found them so fascinating.”

Ride Like A Girl stars Teresa Palmer as Payne, along with Sam Neill and Jacki Weaver.

Originally published as Ride Like A Girl star Stevie Payne praised by director Rachel Griffiths