Payne receives international award

Michelle Payne (right) has been honoured with an international award for excellence in equestrian sports.

Payne received the award in Washington DC on Saturday, recognising her 2015 Melbourne Cup win among her other achievements. The awards, recognised four women whose careers have shown a positive influence and exceptional commit- ment to their chosen equine disci- pline.

The others to receive awards were professional equestrian Georgina Blooomberg, Reed Kessler, the youngest person to qualify for Olympics in show jumping, and Belinda Stronach, president of the Stronach racing empire. ‘‘My goal is to continue to encourage women that anything is possible if you dream and work hard enough.’’

Payne, who also holds a trainer’s licence and has signalled the end of her riding career could come as soon as the end of this year, will ride at Royal Ascot next month.