By Travis Johnson
The first official image from Ride Like a Girl has dropped today, featuring Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, and Sam Neill as her onscreen father, Paddy.
Director Rachel Griffiths, who is making her feature directing debut, said, “We are celebrating both Michelle’s resilience and athletic brilliance, as well as her sisters’ inspiring achievements in the sport before her. We also explore the profound impact of those men who gave her opportunities and stood by her at critical moments and hope to inspire more men to become champions of change.”
Also in the film is Michelle’s brother Stevie, who was born with Down Syndrome, and is playing himself.
“This is the most inspiring and significant story I have ever worked on,” producer Richard Keddie added. “As a role model for young women, it is hard to think of a braver, harder working young woman than Michelle. As a joyous human being who has excelled in his field as a strapper, it is an incredible honour to see Stevie Payne acting in one of our lead roles, playing himself, in what I believe is a world first. And as a man who raised 10 wonderful kids
on his own, Paddy Payne is one of my favourite all-time people. Making this film is a privilege.”
The cast is rounded out Sullivan Stapleton as Darren Weir, trainer of Michelle’s horse, the Prince of Penzance, Genevieve Morris as Michelle’s racing manager, and, as her siblings, Brooke Satchwell, Sophia Forrest, Anneliese Apps, Katie Castles, Veronica Thomas, Zara Zoe, Aaron Glenane and Henry Nixon. We are uncertain at this stage, who will be portraying the horse race betting aspect of the story.
Ride Like a Girl is currently filming in Melbourne and rural Victoria, and will be released theatrically by Transmission.
