Can Michelle Payne train the Melbourne Cup winner?
2015 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne is set to join the training ranks after applying for a jockey-trainer license which comes into effect on August 1.
The injury-battled champion is still recovering from pancreatic surgery after a serious race-fall at Mildura in May and is looking forward to starting a new career in the thoroughbred industry.
“I’ve been filling out all the paperwork and applying for my license this month, so hopefully in August, we’ll be ready to go when the license comes in,” Payne said.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a few years now and done as much as I can, learning from other trainers.
“Hopefully I can make the most of it.”
Payne isn’t sure whether she will ride race-day again, but she’s racing through-and-through and becoming a trainer is a natural progression for the 30-year-old.
“I’ve had a lot of time to plan retiring from riding, it’s a big transition,” Payne said.
“You dedicate your life to being a jockey and it’s very hard to give it away, walk away and do something else.
“It’s been a plan of mine for quite a few years now to get into training because I love racing, I love horses – I’m really passionate about it.
“I purchased a farm just next door to my dad’s farm and I’ve spent the last two years setting it up as an assignment farm and now I’ve put in place some plans to put in stables, a trotting arena, a round yard and some jumps.
“I think it’s the perfect setup for training, so I’m looking forward to giving it a go.”
Sportsbet.com.au has opened some Michelle Payne betting markets and the most interesting option revolves around the Melbourne Cup.
Sportsbet is offering $2001 for Payne to train a winner of the Melbourne Cup by 2020 which is highly unlikely, but she has created history once so why not again. Payne should be able to get a few horses in training so seeing as her family are renowned for training stayers, she might have a handy staying type on her hands.
Michelle Payne betting markets
Sportsbet currently has a total of five betting markets for Michelle Payne. Betting on novelty markets can be a good long-term investment and it adds excitement for the entire season.
Michelle Payne to train a Metro winner 2016/2017 – $17
The $17 is a great price being offered by Sportsbet. The majority of her runners will likely be at midweek and Sunday meetings, but it’s certainly worth the risk at those odds.
We framed this market to be around $9 so take the $17 on offer and enjoy the season which kicks off on Monday.
Michelle Payne month of 1st trained winner:
August – $8
September – $6
October – $5 at Sportsbet.com.au
November – $4.80
December – $4
January or beyond – $3
Michelle Payne trained winners:
0-2: $4.20
3-5: $3
6-9: $2.60
10+: $3.60
Payne is still hoping to be back in the saddle despite training looming as the safer option.
“Each week I’m improving and I really happy to be back out and riding the horses again,” Payne said.
“I’ve been working with the physio and he’s been amazed at how my muscles have improved from one week to the next.
“I’m just grateful to be on the mend and looking forward to getting back into racing.”