Trainer Paddy Payne, the patriarch of the one of racing’s most famous families that includes Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle, has died at the age of 90 – just six months after saddling up his final runner.
Payne and his late-wife Mary had 10 children and eight of them became jockeys. His eldest son, Patrick, won the 2002 Cox Plate.
Born in New Zealand before moving to Australia, Payne was portrayed by Sam Neill in Ride Like A Girl, a film about his daughter’s trailblazing victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup. His youngest son Stevie played himself in the movie.
“He passed away peacefully in his sleep, early this morning at home, he got to have his dying wish,” daughter Therese said on behalf of the family.
“We feel he had a great life, and we were happy he was comfortable. We hope he’s joined our mum and brother and sisters.”
Payne’s wife died in a 1986 car accident when their youngest daughter, Michelle, was six months old, leaving him to raise 10 children on his own.
His eldest daughter Brigid died in 2007 from a heart attack, six months after a bad track work fall, while the family lost second-eldest daughter Bernadette in March last year.
Apart from his lifelong love of horses, Payne was also a dairy farmer. He spent his final years at the family property at Miners Rest near Ballarat. Michelle and Stevie lived nearby.
His last runner was Nip at Kilmore on March 6 this year, 10 days before his 90th birthday, while his final winner was Rosalia at Ballarat in August 2024 when he was 88.
His filly Miner’s Miss, ridden by Michelle, finished third in the 2018 VRC Oaks.
Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said Payne was “the doyen of a family that has greatly enriched Australian racing and provided us with so many great memories”.
“While Paddy has passed, his contribution to the sport will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on,” Morrison said.
“Paddy will be remembered as a great horseman and a loving father. His positive influence on female jockey participation cannot be undersold, having encouraged his daughters to ride at a time when female jockeys were fighting for acceptance.
“He took great pride in the achievements of his children, along with their partners, and can rest peacefully in the knowledge that he has left the world a better place for his existence.”
Victorian Jockeys’ Association chief executive Matt Hyland said Payne “leaves behind an incredible legacy including his support of his daughters’ careers and that of other female jockeys”.
“Victoria’s riding ranks are richer for the contributions of the Payne family and for that we must say thank you to Paddy,” Hyland said.
Australian Trainers’ Association chief executive Stephen Bell said Payne held a trainer’s license in Victoria for more than 40 years after earlier success in New Zealand.
“His role in nurturing a family that has contributed so much to racing is legendary and something that we all respect and are thankful for,” Bell said.
Ballarat Turf Club chairman Bill Gribble said Payne’s contribution to racing extended well beyond the racetrack.
“Paddy was the patriarch one of Australian racing’s most remarkable families, and his influence, horsemanship and dedication to the industry will leave a lasting legacy,” Gribble said.
“The Payne family has a long and proud connection with racing in Ballarat, and Paddy was held in enormous regard by so many within our local racing community.”