Synapse - reconnecting lives

Even a Brain Injury couldn't keep this talented jockey down

A big congratulations goes out to yesterday's Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne. By now you will probably have heard that Michelle is the first ever female jockey to take home the cup. What you may not know is that she has experienced what it's like to live with a Brain Injury first hand. 

In March 2004 she had a serious fall during a race at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne. The fall resulted in a fractured skull, as well as bruising to her brain.  

Michelle spent 15 months in rehabilitation after her Brain Injury before returning to the sport she loves, despite the fact that her father and siblings had been keen for her to retire. 

Her hard work, and 'never give up' attitude certainly paid off when she rode into the record books yesterday.