Teresa Palmer’s Ride Like A Girl transformation into Michelle Payne

THE first picture of actor Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne has been released, with the Hollywood star transformed into a stunning likeness of the Melbourne Cup winning jockey in biopic Ride Like A Girl.

TERESA Palmer has transformed into a stunning likeness of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne in the first official image from movie Ride Like A Girl.

Palmer plays the champion jockey in the story of her remarkable journey in the film directed by award-winning actor Rachel Griffiths.

In the scene filmed in Sunbury, Palmer is flanked by Sam Neill who plays Paddy Payne, Michelle’s father. He raised Michelle and her nine siblings as a single father.

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Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne and Sam Neill as Paddy Payne in biopic Ride Like A Girl.

The real Michelle Payne with her father Paddy at home. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The star cast also includes Sullivan Stapleton as horse trainer Darren Weir, with Brooke Satchwell and Sophia Forrest to play Payne’s sisters.

A young Michelle is played by Summer North and a young Stevie Payne is played by Gryffin Morrison. Stevie, who has Down syndrome, features as himself in later scenes.

Genevieve Morris has the role of Michelle’s racing manager, which was first speculated as going to Jacki Weaver.

In the third week of filming, Palmer said she was revelling in the role of a lifetime.

“Michelle’s story is so incredible and absolutely inspiring to me,’’ Palmer said.

“It’s not just about what happened in 2015 with the Melbourne Cup, it’s really about the lead up to that and everything she faced. All the adversity that came her way and how she just persevered.

Michelle Payne with her brother Stevie, who will play himself in later scenes. Picture: Mark Stewart

Michelle Payne in the mounting yard with father Paddy. Picture: Michael Klein

Michelle Payne made history after riding Prince Of Penzance to victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

“It’s about family and it’s one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever come across. It’s beautiful.”

Payne’s other siblings will be played by Anneliese Apps, Katie Castles, Veronica Thomas, Zara Zoe, Aaron Glenane and Henry Nixon.

Griffiths said: “We are celebrating both Michelle’s resilience and athletic brilliance,

as well as her sisters’ inspiring achievements in the sport before her. We also explore the

profound impact of those men who gave her opportunities and stood by her at critical

moments and hope to inspire more men to become champions of change.”

Filming will next week head to the Paynes’ hometown of Ballarat.

Ride Like a Girl is produced by Richard Keddie and written by Andrew Knight and Elise McCredie.

The film is slated to open in cinemas across Australia later in 2019.

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Originally published as Teresa Palmer’s Ride Like A Girl transformation into Michelle Payne