Melbourne Cup icon Michelle Payne has been immortalised with a bronze statue at Flemington racecourse.
Payne and the Victorian Racing Club (VRC) unveiled the statue on Thursday, just over a decade since she became the first woman to ride a horse to victory in the nation's favourite turf race.
Payne steered $100 chance Prince Of Penzance to a stunning win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.
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Now she sits forever alongside iconic trainer Bart Cummings, fellow jockey Roy Higgins, and superstar horses Phar Lap and Makybe Diva outside the famous racecourse.
"My life changed in 2015 when I won the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince Of Penzance, and it has been the most amazing journey since," Payne said on Thursday.
"To now have a statue here at Flemington is truly extraordinary; it feels very surreal.
"As a young girl, the Melbourne Cup was the race I dreamed of winning and knowing that dream came true fills me with immense pride.
"My hope is that everyone who views this statue feels encouraged to chase their dreams and ambitions, no matter how big they are."
Payne's statue was designed by artist Judith Leman and funded by philanthropist Lady Marigold Southey AC.
"Michelle's statue is designed to represent and honour her remarkable journey, her inner strength we have all come to respect, and the inspirational power her Cup-winning ride has generated for more than a decade," Leman said.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said Payne is as deserving as Cummings, Higgins, Phar Lap, and Makybe Diva in having a statue at Flemington.
"Michelle is an inspiration to countless Australians, and a powerful ambassador for female participation and the sport of horse racing," Wilson said.
"We are proud to recognise Michelle's achievements and her rightful place amongst some of the legends of our sport."
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