Today Prince of Penzance became the 149th winner in the Melbourne Cup’s 155 year history but the very first to be ridden by a woman.

When they crossed the line at Flemington today another page was written in the extraordinary story of Australia’s premier horse race.

Congratulations to jockey Michelle Payne who earned her place in racing history today, and to her brother Steven, trainer Darren Weir and all his connections.

Australians love our sport for so many reasons, and the prospect of a longshot prevailing in our biggest events is chief among them.

Today the Melbourne Cup has given the nation another reason to stop and marvel at its capacity to create amazing stories like these.