Long before either of them were household names, Michelle Payne tried to convince Lizzie Jelfs to begin a career as a jockey.
The two rode trackwork together at Flemington, Jelfs as the UK expat and go-to work rider for Lindsay Park and Payne as the young female jockey trying to build a reputation in a sport that was, at that time, still very much dominated by men.
Years later, Payne created history as the first female jockey to win a Melbourne Cup, etching her name into Australian folklore.
Jelfs’ path saw her rise through racing’s media ranks, first as a yard judge and now as a multi-skilled broadcaster that covers the nation’s premier race meetings for Channel 7.
On Saturday, the pair will reconnect at Flemington when untapped filly Bella Blaze tackles a 2YO handicap over 1400m.
The filly was bought by Jelfs to race with clients under her ‘Race With Lizzie’ syndication banner and given to Payne to educate and condition for a career on the track.
“I’ve known Lizzie for a long time,” Payne said.
“I used to ride work at Flemington when she was riding trackwork for David Hayes.
“I’ve always respected her and what she does – even as a track rider she was so good.
“My sister Cathy and I used to say to her that she should consider having a go as an apprentice because she was so talented.
“She went down a different path and she’s obviously very good at what she does on the TV and it’s great to be associated with her.
“This is the very first one (horse with Lizzie).
“I think we were just chatting at the races on day and she brought it up and I was all for it, I thought it would be a really good match.”
Bella Blaze turned heads on debut at Ballarat when she finished powerfully from the back of the field to run third over 1200m.
Payne said the daughter of Zousain has trained on and will enjoy the rise to 1400m. The filly is $8 with Bet365.
“She’s a beautiful filly and everything about her is quality,” she said.
“I told Lizzie that we would be guided by the filly based on how she pulled up from her first start and she has been great so we decided to go again.
“She’s a natural athlete and she doesn’t need a lot of work.
“She’s had 1400m written all over her but obviously she’s still a two-year-old so we don’t want to put too much pressure on them.
“I’m very excited about Saturday.
“She’s going to be a really nicer three-year-old but she’s doing everything right at the moment.”
A win would give Payne her first success since she reverted to training solo after a partnership with her brother Patrick Payne ended last month.
With five horses in work, she said a healthier work life balance is allowing her some newfound freedom for the first time since her world changed after winning the Melbourne Cup.
“I’ve got a bit more time here on the farm which is good,” she said.
“I finally feel like I’ve caught up after 10 years of being absolutely flat out which is a really nice feeling.
“I’m thinking of doing some other things and looking forward to branching out.”
