Gifting has never been easier
Perfect if you're short on time or are unable to deliver your gift yourself. Enter your message and select when to send it.
BENEATH THE BRIM WITH
Michelle Payne
Racing Icon
From the dairy farms of regional Victoria to the biggest stage in Australian racing, Michelle Payne has built a career defined by resilience, determination and an unwavering connection to horses.
As the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, Michelle became a defining figure in Australian sporting history when she rode Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015. But beyond the history-making moment lies something even more enduring: a deep respect for hard work, the land, and the horses that have shaped her life.
Life In The Saddle
Raised in a horse racing family on a dairy farm, Payne’s connection to country life runs deep. Today, she continues to ride and train, bringing the same grit and grounded mindset that carried her to the top of one of the world’s toughest sports.
As the face of the Bobby, an archival Akubra honouring Tommy Woodcock, the legendary strapper of Phar Lap, Michelle felt like the natural fit. Like Woodcock and Phar Lap, her story reflects the values at the heart of Australian racing: resilience, humility, loyalty and determination.
For this edition of Beneath The Brim, we sat down with Michelle to talk about legacy, life on the land, and what Australia means to her.
A Legacy Under The Brim
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF & WHAT YOU DO?
I’m Michelle Payne. I’m a jockey and trainer.
I grew up on a dairy farm in a horse racing family, so horses have always been a part of life for me. These days I’m still riding, training a small team, and trying to do things my own way.
HOW DO YOU FEEL IN AN AKUBRA & WHERE ARE YOU GOING IN IT?
It just feels right, like you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you. There’s something grounding about it.
When I wear one, I'm going somewhere with open skies and no rush. Out where the fences end and the good stories start.
AKUBRA IS 150 YEARS OLD, WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER CHANGE?
Quality. If it works, don’t mess with it.
WHAT'S YOUR MOST "THIS SPEAKS AUSTRALIA" MOMENT?
Cathy Freeman winning gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics — the whole country holding its breath, then exploding.
AS THE FACE OF THE BOBBY, WHAT DOES THAT CONNECTION TO RACING MEAN TO YOU?
The Bobby has a strong connection to Australian racing history through Tommy Woodcock and Phar Lap, and that means a lot to me.
Racing has always been about partnership - between horse and human, and the trust that comes with that. Those values of loyalty, resilience and determination still matter just as much today.
Changing The Track
Michelle Payne is part of a generation redefining what women in racing can represent, while staying grounded in the qualities that have always defined the sport. For her, progress isn’t about leaving tradition behind, but carrying forward the same toughness, grit and determination that earlier generations embodied, while expanding the idea of what’s possible.
Her impact reaches beyond race results, helping shape a future where talent, resilience and hard work matter more than expectation. At its core, it’s about showing the next generation that there is a place for them in racing - and that success belongs to anyone willing to earn it.
More Than The Finish Line
YOUR CAREER CARRIES A STRONG SENSE OF HISTORY & RESILIENCE. WHAT DOES LEGACY MEAN TO YOU?
Legacy to me is about what you leave behind in people, not just results. It’s how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and the example you set.
It’s also about getting back up when things don’t go your way, not making a big fuss and just getting on with it. I’ve adapted from being a sportsperson into a whole different world, but I’ve still kept my connection to the land and country.
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT RACING FIGURES, HORSES OR MOMENTS THAT CAME BEFORE YOU, WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST?
People who believed in themselves, and the connection with the beautiful horses we form partnerships with.
The exhilaration of such an unbelievable and intense sport.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’VE TAKEN FROM EARLIER GENERATIONS IN RACING THAT’S BECOME PART OF YOUR MINDSET?
Definitely the work ethic and respect for the horse.
That’s something that never changes.
HOW HAS YOUR UPBRINGING INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU SEE RACING TODAY?
Growing up on a farm keeps things pretty simple.
You learn to work hard, be patient, and understand the horse. That’s still how I approach it.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE NEXT GENERATION TAKES FROM YOUR JOURNEY?
I’d want it to still feel real, honest, grounded, and connected to the horse and the people around it.
Stick at it. It’s not always easy, but the tough parts are usually what shape you the most.
SHOP
MICHELLE'S STYLE
BOBBY LIGHT SAND
Sale price$380.00
New
RANGER COFFEE
Sale price$380.00
