MELBOURNE Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne will headline Saturday’s Townsville Cup as ticket sales hit record levels ahead of North Queensland’s premier race day.
Ms Payne, who became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015 with Prince of Penzance, will make a special appearance at Cluden Park as part of the 2026 Winter Racing Carnival.
NIKITA McGUIRE reports for the DAILY BULLETIN that Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks said welcoming the famed jockey to the track was one of the biggest announcements in the club’s history.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Michelle Payne to Townsville,” he said.
“This is a huge moment for our Club, our members and the entire North Queensland community. Michelle Payne is Australian racing royalty.
“What she achieved aboard Prince of Penzance changed the sport forever and created one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. To have someone of her calibre joining us at Cluden Park is simply extraordinary.”
Mr Weeks said Ms Payne’s visit reflected the growing stature of the event and the club’s commitment to bringing world-class experiences to the region.
“Michelle’s story is one of courage, resilience and determination. She broke barriers for women in racing and became an inspiration to Australians everywhere.”
The appearance comes after Ms Payne retired from race riding in 2024 following a career spanning more than two decades.
Townsville Turf Club CEO Wayne Croton said ticket sales for the event had already reached unprecedented levels.
“The excitement surrounding this year’s Townsville Cup has exceeded all expectations, with ticket sales already at record-breaking levels.”
Mr Croton said the race day delivered economic benefits to accommodation providers, restaurants, hospitality venues and tourism operators.
“The Townsville Cup is much more than a race meeting. It is one of North Queensland’s signature events … events like this showcase the very best of Townsville on a national stage.”
