‘Just keep a lid on it’: Zahra wins four on Derby Day but wants more as cup carnival continues

Retired jockey Michelle Payne has arrived at Flemington Racecourse, almost exactly a decade after the historic win that catapulted her to sporting fame.

Walking through the busy entrance to The Birdcage, the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner was greeted by a flurry of reporters and cameras.

Michelle Payne arriving at The Birdcage on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse today.Credit: Penny Stephens

She’s a big deal around these parts.

“I could take you through it like it was yesterday,” Payne said of her historic win.

“But so much has happened … [It’s] just amazing, to think here we were, taking the Melbourne Cup.

“Payne has an action packed Derby Day schedule ahead, first visiting a few marquees before judging the Fashion on the Field competition and finally hopping in the commentary booth for Channel Nine, the owner of this masthead.

Loading

But her visits to Flemington Racecourse will always bring fond memories of riding a winning horse at the iconic carnival.

“It’s just that feeling of anticipation … and excitement. You’ve got the best of the best here in everything,” Payne said.

“It’s just like nothing else around the world. It’s really special … I feel like a princess.”