Head blow halts Payne

MICHELLE Payne was stopped from riding Condover Hall at Ballarat yesterday after being hit in the head in an earlier race.

Payne was listed to ride the colt, which she also trains, in race five, but was stood down by the on-course doctor after displaying the effects of concussion.

Her ride in the third race, Raparee, reared at the gates as they opened and hit Payne in the face as he threw back his head. Payne was not hurt and finished the race, but was deemed unfit to ride for the rest of the day.

Condover Hall, ridden by Jordan Childs, was second last.