Melbourne Cup 2015: How Michelle Payne stopped a nation
Published
8:15 AM EST, Tue November 3, 2015
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Michelle Payne rocked the world of racing by becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.
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The Melbourne Cup is known as the "race that stops a nation" such is the interest in the event. It's not just the cup that stops Australia -- it's high stakes in the fashion world too.
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The Melbourne Cup was given its own entrance parade ahead of the race.
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Australian beauty pageant titleholder and television reporter.Rachael Finch poses at the Myer Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse.
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The celebrities were out in force with Lleyton Hewitt, the Australian tennis player, just one famous face at the racecourse.
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Of course, hats aren't just for women. Here designer Phillip Rhodes poses on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia.
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There were 24 horses competing for a chance at sporting immortality.
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Just the fourth woman to compete in the race in its 155-year history, Payne rode New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance to victory.
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Prince of Penzance cost $36,000 but came up trumps to win the $2.6 million top prize.
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Payne was mobbed by adoring fans after her surprise triumph.
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Payne, one of 10 kids, celebrated the victory with her family.
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Payne celebrated her triumph with brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome. Stevie works as her strapper.
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DJ Nussy was on the decks as she entertained the crowds at Flemington.
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Singer Craig David was also on hand to entertain the Flemington masses.
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Supported by cello and violins, singer Nathaniel also performed at the racecourse.
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There was a huge crowd at Flemington to witness Payne's landmark win.
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Mobiles were very much at the ready to capture events both on and off the track.