- Michelle Payne gives update after the death of the sister
- Bernadette Payne tragically died, 51
The winning jockey of Melbourne, Michelle Payne, has spoken after the tragic death of his sister Bernadette, who died at the age of 51 last week.
Michelle learned the heartbreaking news about her sister after taking a photo shoot for International Women's Day.
“I'm fine, thank you,” she said NOTS CORP.
'We are very sad … Our family feels so grateful and appreciated for all love and support.
We thank everyone for love and understanding. We are very grateful for the support received for Bernadette and we of Racing Victoria and our close friends at a very difficult time. ''
Bernadette, also a successful rider, died on Tuesday, according to a family statement.
Michelle Payne has spoken after the tragic death of his sister Bernadette
The former Jockey Bernadette Payne (in the photo to the right, next to her father Patrick, left, and Brother Stevie, second from the left) has tragically died, at the age of 51.
“With a deep sadness that we confirm that Bernadette has died,” said the statement.
'He had a very difficult and challenging moment in recent years and we found comfort in the hope that he is now at peace.
'She was loved by many throughout her life.
'We ask that the privacy of our family be respected at this time. Thank you.'
She and her 10 brothers were raised around the horses, with her father, Paddy, raising the family as a single mother after Bernadette's mother, mother Mary, died tragically in a car accident in 1986.
Bernadette's death also occurs after his sister Brigid suddenly died of a heart attack in 2007, at 36.
It was one of his eight brothers who became Jockey, with Bernadette riding his first winner in Nhill in 1993.
During his career in the races, Bernadette would secure 192 victories before retiring in 2009.
Payne thanked fans and the community of racing for love and support
In an interview in 2015, Michelle paid tribute to Bernadette to take care of her when her mother died tragically.
Bernadette was 11 years old at that time, with Michelle, then just a baby, indicating Sydney Morning Herald: “I used to get up in the middle of the night and feed myself, then fall asleep at school.”
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