Payne in Royal Ascot ride

MICHELLE Payne is destined for a date with Her Majesty the Queen in June.

The Melbourne Cupwinning jockey will ride a star Italian horse at the Royal Ascot meeting before taking over his training for the spring carnival.

The horse, Kaspersky, will be trained through the English summer by Payne’s friend, leading UK trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam, and will be set for the Queen Anne Stakes over the Ascot carnival, which is attended by Queen Elizabeth and other royals.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity,’’ Payne, 30, said yesterday. “I’m looking forward to riding and training the horse.’’