The image of Michelle Payne flying over the finish line on thoroughbred Prince of Penzance to nab the 2015 Melbourne Cup is one that’s seared into the minds of most Australians. Now, Payne’s underdog tale of triumph is now being brought to the big screen by Aussie actress Rachel Griffiths in her directorial debut, Ride Like A Girl, a biopic that will follow Payne’s transition from a young girl to national hero.
Payne is the youngest of 10 children –all of who are now jockeys – and depended on her father’s support after her mother passed away six months after she was born. The film is set to touch on many of the hurdles Payne had to overcome as rider including early failures, broken bones, sexist remarks and a tragic family death on the racecourse.
The screenplay for Ride Like A Girl is written by duo Andrew Knight, the genius behind hit shows Jack Irish and Seachange, and Eilse McCredie, writer of SBS series Sunshine.
In an exclusive interview with the ABC Payne said she was a bit overwhelmed that her life story was going to be played out on the big screen.
“It hasn’t always been easy throughout my career and my life,” she said. “But I think it’s nice to show people and young people with dreams that even when it does get tough you don’t have to give up.”
Aussie actress Teresa Palmer famous for her roles in Hacksaw Ridge and Warm Bodies is set to play the title role of Michelle Payne. Palmer took to social media to announce her excitement at scoring the role.
“Michelle was always warned she could never be a world-class jockey. She was not tough enough. She was not a man. Then she won the 2015 Melbourne Cup, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.” Palmer said. “Thrilled that I’ll be playing Michelle Payne in Ride Like A Girl.”
New Zealand actor Sam Neil will play Payne’s father Paddy, while Jacki Weaver will take on the role of Payne’s manager Joan Sadler.
Payne’s brother Stevie will play himself. Stevie has down syndrome and told the ABC that he was excited to be taking on the role. Michelle hopes the film will change the public’s perceptions about intellectual disabilities.
Griffiths told Deadline that she though Payne’s story was important and was the first choice for her directorial debut. She recalled her feelings when she watched the history-making moment on television: “It was an indescribable moment. Everyone remembers where they were during that race. I rang my producer and said, ‘We have to do this one.’ It tapped into so many things.”
In the article Griffiths called her film a “last of the litter story,” adding “Her quest was to really bring home the golden chalice and put her family’s name in the history books.”
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