Michelle Payne Has A Powerful Message for Women Everywhere

While most people around Australia were nursing a sore head this morning, jockey Michelle Payne was on the interview trail following her historic win at the Melbourne Cup yesterday.

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"It's the most crazy race to ride in," she told Sam Armytage and Kochie on Sunrise this morning.

Payne said she "had a feeling" from the beginning that her horse, Prince of Penzance, would beat his competition - but was humble when it came to her part in the race.

"It got a bit scary because we were racing quite close together. But my horse was travelling so well and at the 600 metres I thought, 'this horse is going to win'," the jockey said.

"I'm really excited about it.

"I just hope that it's a good message for everybody that you have to have faith in yourself and it doesn't matter where you come from."

As the first female to ever win the Cup, Payne's victory was a triumph for women the world over - and it's an accolade she doesn't take lightly.

"They wanted to take me out of the race in exchange for a male jockey, so I'm glad I was able to show them," Payne said of the horse's owners.

"That's what I would like to say to everybody, that every young kid growing up, female or male, you have to follow your dreams because dreams do come true and it's a fairytale really how it all worked out."

The 30-year-old jockey lost her mother when she was six months old, and her quietly spoken father Paddy Payne, admits he's pretty chuffed with his daughter's achievement.

"Well, it's something you are not expecting and very good," he told Seven News this morning.

The youngest of 10 children, Payne said her family had it tough growing up, thanking them for their incredible support, in particular her brother - and strapper - Stevie, who has Down syndrome.

The jockey added that she hoped her win was not only an amazing achievement for him to realise, but for those with Down syndrome everywhere.

"It's a big message that they can be treated normally and have a great life if you allow them to have some responsibility and allow them to grow".

"Stevie is incredible. He can look after himself," said Payne.

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As for what's next? While Prince of Penzance will be retiring, Payne won't be hanging up her racing silks anytime soon.

"I'm going to be in the game forever," she said.

"It's what I love. It's my passion. It's an amazing industry."