Tributes from the horse racing community have been made to former jockey Bernadette Payne who has passed away at the age of 51.
Ms Payne, who is the daughter of legendary Victorian jockey and successful trainer, Patrick, passed away on Tuesday, according to a statement from her family.
‘It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Bernadette has passed away,’ the Payne family’s statement read.
‘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.’
Former jockey Bernadette Payne (pictured right, next to her father Patrick, left, and brother Stevie, second from left) has tragically passed away, aged 51
She is the sister of 2015 Melbourne Cup winner, Michelle Payne, who won the title aboard Prince of Penzance
She is the second-eldest daughter of father Paddy Payne snr and mother Mary, who passed away in a car accident in 1986 and is the sister of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne, who won the Flemington race in 2015 aboard Pride of Penzance.
Bernadette’s tragic passing also comes after her sister Brigid died from a heart attack in 2007, age 36.
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More to follow…
