Paddy Payne, a prominent figure in Australasian horse racing and patriarch of one of the sport’s most notable families, has died at the age of 90. Born in Hāwera, New Zealand, Payne was the father of 10 children, eight of whom pursued careers as jockeys, including Michelle Payne, the Melbourne Cup-winning rider, and Patrick Payne Jr., a Group 1-winning jockey and trainer.

Payne began his career in New Zealand as both a jumps jockey and trainer, achieving success in both roles. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, he noted winning a steeplechase at Ellerslie Racecourse on what turned out to be his final ride as a jockey. Over time, he also gained recognition as a trainer, guiding horses to several notable victories. Among these were Group 1 and Group 3 wins at Ellerslie by Paddy Boy in the Sires’ Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes, respectively.

In the early 1980s, Payne relocated with his wife Mary and their eight children to Victoria, Australia. This move was prompted by a council decision in Hāwera that required the couple’s property to be repurposed for sewage treatment settling pools, discontinuing the previous practice of discharging untreated sewage into the ocean. Initially planned as a temporary move, the family ultimately chose to settle in Australia permanently, motivated in part by economic considerations and personal preference.

Tragedy struck the Payne family when Mary was killed in a car accident, leaving Paddy to raise their young children, including Michelle, who was six months old, and Stevie, who has Down syndrome. Despite these challenges, Payne’s dedication to the racing industry influenced his children’s career paths, with many achieving significant success. Patrick Payne Jr. amassed 936 career wins as a jockey, while Michelle recorded 772 victories before transitioning into training. Other siblings also found success, including Maree with 435 wins and Cathy with 219.

The family gained international recognition following Michelle Payne’s historic 2015 Melbourne Cup win aboard Prince Of Penzance, with her brother Stevie serving as the horse’s strapper. Their story was later portrayed in the 2019 film *Ride Like A Girl*, in which Stevie played himself.

Payne outlived two of his children: Brigid, who died in 2007 at age 36, and Bernadette, who passed away in 2025 at 51. He died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning at his home. Speaking on behalf of the family, daughter Therese said he fulfilled his dying wish and enjoyed a comfortable final period.

Payne’s enduring legacy remains embedded in the fabric of Australasian racing through his children’s ongoing contributions to the sport.