PAYNE LABELS OWNER A ‘PIG’
AUSTRALIA’S most famous female jockey has launched a stinging defence of Linda Meech after she was dumped from Victoria Derby contender Thought Of That.
Michelle Payne labelled prominent owner Brae Sokolski a “pig” over the decision.
Meech, who sits atop the Victorian premiership leaderboard after winning a maiden state title last season, was axed hours after riding the colt at trackwork yesterday.
She had delivered Thought Of That’s only two wins in consecutive starts.
The “unpopular” decision to go with Mark Zahra — a winner of 15 Group 1 races — was roundly criticised, but Sokolski stood by the call made on behalf of a “majority” of owners.
Payne reacted savagely on Twitter, responding to his assertion booking jockeys was not a “decision for the public”.
“Not for the public to decide but the public can recognise you as a pig,” she tweeted.
Payne, who in 2015 became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup with 100-1 shot Prince Of Penzance, doubled down with a flurry of additional posts.
“One of the most ruthless decisions made,” she continued. “Zahra wasn’t teaching the horse to be a racehorse at Donald two starts back when he was striking and roaring at the other runners behind the barriers. Disgraceful!
“Linda has feelings too and has ridden that horse to perfection last 2 starts.
“Yes they (owners) pay the bills and have the right to decisions but there’s also being a human. Loyalty in this game is very disappointing ... she’s earnt it.”
Payne and Meech have led Victorian women’s jockeys’ ranks for “nearly 20 years”.
A campaigner for women’s rights, Payne scolded the maledominated racing establishment after her Cup triumph.
“It’s such a chauvinistic sport, a lot of the owners wanted to kick me off,” she said in her post-race interview.
“Everyone else can get stuffed ( who) think women aren’t good enough.”
Derby contender Thought Of That surged into $4 TAB second favourite for the 2500m race after a 3½-length win at Caulfield under Meech last start.