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Legendary Melbourne Cup jockey Michelle Payne appears to confirm her new romance as she steps out with Instagram 'mystery man' Couple glams it up at Flemington for the big race By JOSH ALSTON, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 03:34 GMT, 4 November 2025 | Updated: 03:37 GMT, 4 November 2025 Rumours are intensifying that history-making Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne has found her leading man, as she stepped out at Flemington for the race that stops a nation today. Payne, the trailblazing jockey who made history as the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance in 2015, has sparked romance rumours after stepping out with her close friend Gabriel Ribeiro in public for the big day. The pair, who first appeared together on social media in mid-2025, were photographed side by side at Flemington, looking effortlessly coordinated for racing's biggest day. Payne stood out in a bright red lace dress covered with small flower details and sheer sections. The dress had a fitted shape and textured flowers along the top and bottom. She finished the look with a bold red fascinator, her hair pulled back in a neat bun, and kept her accessories simple, opting for a large ring and small drop earrings. Next to her, Ribeiro wore a sharp blue suit with a white shirt, a red and navy patterned tie and a small horseshoe pin on his jacket to mark the occasion. Melbourne Cup legend Michelle Payne and Gabriel Ribeiro spark rumours they are more than just close friends after appearing together at Flemington The couple have been spending lots of quality time together in recent months and made a public showing at Flemington It comes after the pair holidayed in Bali together earlier this year, sharing happy snaps to Instagram The Gold Coast local has been a regular in Payne's orbit in recent months, first featuring on her Instagram in June when the pair holidayed in Bali. One light-hearted video of Ribeiro kissing a sunlit Payne on the cheek aboard a boat drew a flood of comments from friends and fans. In October, he reappeared in Ballarat, helping Payne paint fences at her family farm, where she jokingly captioned a post 'farm couple in action'. Ribeiro later called Payne 'my farm girl' in his own Instagram story, adding to the growing speculation about their relationship. Friends close to the pair say they've bonded over a shared love of animals and the simple life away from the racing spotlight. Payne's personal happiness comes as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her unforgettable 2015 Melbourne Cup triumph aboard Prince of Penzance. That victory not only shocked the racing world but became a landmark moment for women in sport, cemented by her passionate post-race message telling those who doubted female jockeys to 'get stuffed.' Since then, Payne has continued to ride and train from her Ballarat base while becoming a vocal advocate for equality and animal welfare. Gabriel shared this image of a beaming Payne to his Instagram story, further intensifying rumours Payne also shared an image of them at her Ballarat farm enjoying time together recently Payne is celebrating the 10th anniversary of becoming the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance Payne, who works as an expert analyst for Channel 9 and as a Victorian Racing Commission ambassador, has also revealed her pick for the 2025 race. 'I'm leaning towards one overseas raider at good odds to salute in the $10million race, with one of the favourites not too far behind and some X-factors in the mix,' she said. Payne has tipped the Willie Mullins-trained Absurde to beat race favourites Buckaroo and Half Yours. 'My pick of the race. I think the barrier is crucial for him. Terrific run in last year's Melbourne Cup and the year before that, so this could be third time lucky,' she said. '[Buckaroo is] flying at the moment. I think he is going the best he has ever been and going into a Melbourne Cup. There's always been an air of excitement about this horse, so maybe we might see it on Tuesday. '[Half Yours is a] terrific chance from a great barrier. Really comes into it even more if the rain comes and looks to be a huge chance.' Gold CoastInstagram Share or comment on this article: Legendary Melbourne Cup jockey Michelle Payne appears to confirm her new romance as she steps out with Instagram 'mystery man' Add comment
