By Anna Prytz
Reigning queen of the Flemington racetrack Michelle Payne is now the monarch of another Melbourne icon.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and her strapper brother Stevie Payne were crowned Moomba Monarchs on Wednesday.
This year's Moomba Monarchs Michelle and Stevie Payne are crowned in Alexandra Gardens.Credit: Justin McManus
The pair, who have eight other siblings, won hearts and caused tears across the city last year when Michelle became the first woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, riding Prince of Penzance.
Their professional and personal triumph coupled with Michelle's endearingly candid comments on sexism in the racing industry cemented their place as national favourites.
The Payne siblings, Michelle and Stevie, are this year's Moomba monarchs.Credit: Justin McManus
The Moomba Festival will once again fill the banks of the Yarra with all-ages entertainment over March's Labour Day weekend.
Michelle said long weekend races meant she had never attended Moomba before.
"But it's been a year of 'firsts' for me, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to experience it for the first time as Moomba Queen," she said.
Stevie said he couldn't wait to wave to the crowds.
Michelle and Stevie Payne after the Melbourne Cup triumph.Credit: Getty Images
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the duo were the perfect representation of what a Moomba Monarch should be.
He said they inspire people to "aim high and work hard to achieve our goals."
Dethroned: Last year's Moomba King Shane Warne.Credit: Scott Barbour
The Paynes dethrone last year's king and queen, current reality TV star Shane Warne and Bollywood icon Pallavi Sharda.
The Moomba Festival runs from March 11-14. thatsmelbourne.com.au/Moomba