MUP to publish Payne autobiography

Tuesday, 19 January 2016 Books+Publishing

Melbourne University Publishing has acquired the rights to My Story, the autobiography of Michelle Payne, who in 2015 became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.

In a statement, MUP CEO Louise Adler said Payne’s story ‘is Australia’s National Velvet’. ‘[Payne is] a champion whose modesty and generosity of spirit has shone through not just at the Melbourne Cup but in a life filled with challenges, tragedy and joy when hard work and tenacity is rewarded,’ said Adler.

According to the publisher, Payne had dreamt of winning the Melbourne Cup since the age of nine. ‘One of ten children, she has ridden the miles, done the dawn training, fallen badly and each time got back on the horse,’ said MUP. ‘So when she declared that anyone who said women couldn’t compete in the industry could “get stuffed”, the nation stood up and cheered.’

My Story, which is written with John Harms, will be published in the lead-up to Mother’s Day this year.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions