Award-winning actor Rachel Griffiths steps into the director's chair to lead a large ensemble cast in this inspiring biopic “Ride Like a Girl”. The film centres on a lively country family, interweaving touching father-daughter and brother-sister dynamics. The luminous Teresa Palmer, known for her roles in “Hacksaw Ridge”, “Berlin Syndrome”, and “A Discovery of Witches”, shines as Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Sam Neill portrays Paddy, the stubborn patriarch of the Payne family, who remains an unwavering presence in Michelle’s life as she fights for her place in the male-dominated world of horse racing.
The film’s standout, however, is Michelle’s brother, Stevie Payne, who plays himself in the role. Stevie, who is celebrated as the best strapper in Australia, outshines his fellow cast members with his natural charm, making his bond with Michelle one of the film's highlights.
Rachel Griffiths, making her directorial debut, demonstrates a firm grasp of Hollywood storytelling techniques, bringing a mix of feel-good family elements and compelling narratives to the screen. Her confident direction keeps the story focused and cohesive, blending the excitement of classic racing films with the heart-warming tale of an underdog family. Kids will especially enjoy the farm scenes, lively family moments, and thrilling races, which build toward a fast-paced and satisfying conclusion.
Though the plot may seem familiar, it’s the kind of film that families have been waiting for. The story of a determined young woman, facing long odds to achieve a historic victory, is sure to resonate with audiences. Griffiths ensures that the story of Michelle and her brother Stevie—two underdogs in the world of horse racing—warms hearts as they overcome obstacles to achieve their Melbourne Cup dream.
A Hundred-to-One Shot: Michelle’s Unlikely Journey
Michelle Payne grew up on her father’s horse farm near Ballarat, a small town in Victoria’s historic gold-mining district. With nine siblings—eight of whom became jockeys—Michelle was immersed in horse racing from a young age. Even as a feisty five-year-old, she would outpace her siblings in backyard races, showing early signs of the determination that would define her career. Her father, Paddy, took notice and began teaching her about the racetrack, drilling her on the statistics of past Melbourne Cup jockeys. Her love for horses ran so deep that she often skipped school to spend time in the stables.
At the age of 15, Michelle continued to dream of racing glory. Her brother Stevie, who has Down Syndrome, supported her unconditionally, and their bond is one of the film’s most touching elements. Stevie’s charm and natural rapport with horses shine through, and audiences will find themselves captivated by his humour and authenticity. Together, the siblings made a formidable team, believing that one day, the Melbourne Cup would be theirs.
Michelle’s journey wasn’t without challenges. As a teen apprentice jockey, she moved to the city to pursue her dreams, patiently waiting for her chance to prove herself in the male-dominated world of racing. She woke before dawn each day, training relentlessly and building relationships at the track, determined to carve out a space for herself. Along the way, she faced conflict with her father and suffered a life-threatening fall, but her tenacity never wavered.
Breaking Boundaries and Making History
Michelle Payne’s life as a jockey is depicted as an extreme sport, with her dedication to physical training at the forefront. She endures gruelling workouts, pushing her body to its limits to meet the demands of the sport. In one particularly memorable scene, she wraps herself in plastic to sweat off the last kilo before race day. The film avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on Michelle’s hard work and resilience. Even after doctors warned her that another fall could end her life, she pressed on, determined to fulfil her dream.
Michelle’s patience and diplomacy were key to her success. She never complained when given a tiny changing room at the track or when a trainer made an inappropriate remark. Her experiences dealing with her difficult father seemed to prepare her for the challenges ahead. With grace and skill, she won over sceptical trainers, officials, and horse owners, proving she had what it took to compete in the Cup.
In her final act of defiance, Michelle quietly but decisively challenged tradition. Her cool-headed approach, combined with superior horsemanship, earned her the respect and support of the racing community. By the time she rode the Prince of Penzance in the Melbourne Cup, her victory was celebrated not only as a personal triumph but also as a breakthrough for women in the sport.
“Ride Like a Girl” is a classic hero’s journey, with Michelle Payne embodying both the purity and strength of a legendary heroine. In a humorous nod to traditional romance, she tells her father, “Dad, I’ve found ‘The One,’” to which he dryly replies, “How many legs does this prince of yours have?” True to her character, Michelle’s first love isn’t for a person, but for her horse, the Prince of Penzance, whom she rides to victory with tender encouragement.
The film’s conclusion, like any great journey, sees Michelle fall, rise again, and ultimately succeed. She shares her success with her brother Stevie, whose determination mirrors her own. The sweetness of the story is amplified by the fact that it is all true, making the film an inspiring testament to perseverance, family, and triumph against the odds.