Paddy Payne Sr, a legendary Australian horseman, has died at the age of 90. He was the father of Michelle Payne, who became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, and had ten children with his late wife Mary. Racing Victoria has acknowledged his passing, praising Paddy as "the patriarch" of the famous Payne family that has made a significant contribution to Australian racing. Eight of his ten children went on to become professional jockeys, including Michelle and her brother Patrick who achieved great success in Group One racing.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-08,
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Story summary
Paddy Payne Sr, the patriarch of the famous Australian racing family, has died at the age of 90. He is survived by his children, including Michelle Payne, who made history in 2015 when she became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup. As a horseman himself, Paddy was known as a legend and played a significant role in Australian racing. His family has had numerous achievements in the sport, with eight of his 10 children becoming professional jockeys. Michelle Payne paid tribute to her father on social media, saying "RIP Dad" and referencing their shared history in racing. Racing Victoria issued a statement acknowledging Paddy's passing and praising his contributions to Australian racing.
Written for “Death of Paddy Payne Sr” on 2026-09-08,
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Legendary horseman and patriarch of the famous Australian racing family, Paddy Payne Sr, has died aged 90.
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horseman → die → 90
He was father of Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup, and husband to late Mary Payne, whom he had 10 children with.
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he → win → children
Daughter Michelle took to social media to pay a tribute to her father, saying "RIP Dad.
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Michelle → take → father
You finally get to go and see Mum again"
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You → get → Mum
Racing Victoria issued a statement acknowledging the passing of the "legendary Ballarat horseman".
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Victoria → issue → horseman
"Paddy was the patriarch of the Payne family as they established themselves as one of the most famous surnames in Australian racing," the statement continued.
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statement → establish → racing
Racing Victoria Chief Executive Aaron Morrison said "Paddy was the doyen of a family that has greatly enriched Australian racing and provided us with so many great memories".
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that → say → memories
"Whilst Paddy has passed, his contribution to the sport will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on."
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legacy → pass → sport
Eight of Payne's 10 children became professional jockeys.
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Eight → become → children
Daughter Michelle enjoyed multiple Group One triumphs, including her trailblazing 2015 Melbourne Cup win.
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Michelle → enjoy → win
Son Patrick also achieved great success in Group One racing, both as a jockey and a trainer.
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Patrick → achieve → jockey
Paddy Payne was immortalised in a film about Michelle's Melbourne Cup victory titled Ride Like a Girl, where he was played by the late Sam Neill.
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he → immortalise → Neill
Payne's wife Mary died in a car accident in 1986, leaving him to raise their children when Michelle was just six months old.
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Michelle → die → children
Later in life, two of his daughters died — Brigid in 2007 and Bernadette in 2025 — both were jockeys.
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both → die → 2025
In an interview with the ABC in 2015, Payne said: "We've had some good success and some bad luck as well."
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We → say → success
"We're a close family and we get on good and my kids get on good, it's lovely for me to see that."
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me → get → that