Jockey Michelle Payne made history for women when she became the first female rider to win the Melbourne Cup yesterday, but her brother is doing his bit to break down the barriers, too.
Steven Payne got a standing ovation from the crowd when he went to collect his Tommy Woodcock trophy for being the winning strapper.
Steven has Down syndrome. He lives with Michelle, works for her and for a neighbouring trainer, and he is considered of the most reliable strappers in the business.
“Thank you very much, everybody,” an elated Steven said, as he held the trophy aloft, “To all of the crowd today at the races. I hope you have a great night. Thank you very much.”
Michelle and Steven are two of 10 children whose mother died when Michelle was just six months old.
Seven of the Payne children became jockeys, while Steven has been employed at trainer Darren Weir’s Ballarat stables for close to a decade.
“He can follow the work sheet, he can saddle them up, he can swim them, hose them, and he’s got a great rapport with horses,” Mr Weir told News Ltd.
“He’s really enjoyable to have around, and I think it’s important for those sorts of kids to get a go at something, and if they get a go they reward you.
“They’ve got a great history in racing,” he added of the family, “and they’re all terrific horse people and Stevie is no different.”
Michelle said Steven had challenged some of the stigma that surrounds Down Syndrome.
“I think it’s great for other people with Down Syndrome — to see how capable they can be in normal life,” she said.
“Stevie can pretty much do anything, and look after himself when he’s on his own.”
