Ride On

A decade after her dramatic launch into fame, celebrated jockey Michelle Payne reflects on what she's learned about love, loss, courage and kindness.

The Melbourne Cup: the most prestigious horse race in Australia and never won by a female jockey—until 2015.

When Michelle Payne swept across the finish line, she made history and galloped straight into our hearts. Yet what came next for Michelle was an even wilder ride: a whirlwind of international celebrity that drove her to breaking point, a second catastrophic race fall and an excruciating fight to walk again.

Ten years later, Ride On reveals exactly what empowered Michelle's trailblazing win and her following triumphs in the face of extraordinary adversity and pain—the experiences, perspective and discipline that helped her dig deeper and reach further than she'd ever thought possible.

Taking us on an inspirational journey, Michelle shares how she found the courage, resilience and work ethic to keep fighting and winning; how horses helped her heal; and how kindness helped her survive the devastating deaths of her mother, brother and two sisters.

From childhood dream to dazzling success, this book takes us behind the glamour to encounter the raw, poignant and astounding story of a life lived against the odds: lessons of love and loss, hope and happiness, patience over power and finding the will—no matter what—to ride on.

© 2025 Wavesound from W. F. Howes Ltd (Audiobook): 9781004228157

Release date

Audiobook: 28 October 2025