Michelle Payne wins the Don Award as Australia’s most inspiring athlete

History-making jockey Michelle Payne has received one of the highest awards in Australian sport.

The Melbourne Cup winner was given the Don Award on Thursday night, judged the most inspiring Australian athlete over the past year.

Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup last November.

She said it was an award she never expected to receive.

‘I didn’t even prepare a speech,’ she told the crowd at Crown.

‘I can’t believe it.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled.’