Racing Victoria (RV), the Victorian Government and Tabcorp announced their official partnership with the Michelle Payne biopic, Ride Like A Girl, which will mark acclaimed actress Rachel Griffiths’ directorial debut.
Michelle Payne and Rachel Griffiths were joined by Prince of Penzance, the horse Payne rode at odds of 100/1 to win the 2015 Melbourne Cup, at a special event at the Ballarat Turf Club earlier this month to officially announce the partnership and confirm that filming will commence on 16 April 2018.
Payne’s home town of Ballarat will play a central role in the production of the movie with confirmation that a five-day shoot will take place from 7 May 2018, as will her brother, Prince of Penzance’s strapper Stevie Payne, who has been confirmed to play himself in the film.
Under the partnership, RV, the Victorian Government and Tabcorp will be actively involved in the development and promotion of Ride Like A Girl, with each providing significant support and investment.
With filming due to take place in rural locations such as Ballarat, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield and Hanging Rock, regional Victoria is set to benefit from a share of the film’s projected $14 million injection into the state’s economy.
The film will depict an uplifting tale of Victorian thoroughbred racing and the diverse range of people working within the sport, culminating in Payne’s historic victory at Flemington.