Michelle Payne shares update after sister Bernadette died aged 51

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Michelle Payne shares update after sister Bernadette died aged 51

Melbourne Cup legend Michelle Payne has thanked fans and the wider racing industry for their support following

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Bernadette, a former jockey herself, died last week aged 51.

Michelle learned the news soon after completing an International Women’s Day photoshoot and shared an update in an interview published over the weekend.

“I’m OK, thank you,” she told

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“We are so deeply sad … Our family feels so grateful and appreciate for all the love and support.

“We thank everyone for the love and understanding. We’re very grateful for the support received for Bernadette and us from Racing Victoria and our close friends through a very difficult time.”

The family came together amid the grief on Saturday.

Smokin’ Princess, a horse trained by Michelle and brother Patrick, fought from the back of the pack at the final turn to finish fourth in the last race at Flemington.

The five-year-old mare entered the Group 3 Matron Stakes as a $5 favourite after recording four wins and a second in its previous five races.

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Michelle shot to superstardom in 2015 when she won the Melbourne Cup and retired from racing last year to turn her full attention to training.

Bernadette had retired in 2009 after a successful career with around 200 winners.

The Payne family announced her death in a statement issued by Racing Victoria on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Bernadette has passed away,” the statement said.

“She had a very difficult and challenging time in recent years and we find solace in the hope that she is now at peace.

“She was loved by many throughout her life.

“We ask that our family’s privacy is respected at this time. Thank you.”

The daughters of Ballarat trainer Paddy were among 10 children.

Camera IconMichelle Payne’s father Paddy, brother Stevie and sister Bernadette with Miner’s Miss in 2018. Credit: Getty

Michelle’s mother Mary died when she was just six months old and the future champion lost another sister, Brigid, in 2007.

Michelle spoke about Bernadette’s role in her life in an interview on Racing.com last year.

“Bernadette was 11 years old and getting up in the middle of the night feeding me,” she said.

“Amazing what they did and just without any fuss they just did what they had to do.

“It was just incredible that they got through it and that they’re so strong.”

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