Michelle Payne saddles up for Big Freeze at the ’G

And the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup will have some familiar assistance helping her down the slide into an icy pool at the MCG on Monday – her brother Stevie. Payne and her strapper brother became part of Aussie sporting folklore when $101 outsider Prince of Penzance won the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

And while Payne feels “honoured’’ to be chosen as one of nine sliders to take part in the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser, she told the Herald Sun her brother was equally chuffed to have a role.

“I think Stevie is pushing me down the slide and he’s pretty happy about that,’’ she said.

“He is very excited but I did tell him be careful because I might pull him down with me.’’

Payne joins the likes of actor Eric Bana, AFLW star Tayla Harris, surf legend Mick Fanning and Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw as sliders in Monday’s fundraiser.

“I was really honoured to be asked to be a part of it,’’ she said.

“I think it’s an incredible charity and Neale Daniher – what an inspiration he is.

“I just love watching him and his strength and his attitude.

“He’s an inspiration to so many people.’’

Despite a lifetime of early rises for trackwork, Payne was worried about the icy bath that awaits her at the MCG before Melbourne’s blockbuster King’s Birthday Holiday clash.

“I’m a bit nervous because I don’t like being cold,’’ she said.

“But it’s for a good cause and it will be refreshing, I would say.’’

She also vowed to steer away from equine themes for the costume she dons for the event, scratching a Prince of Penzance tribute.

“I thought I might try and come up with something a little more unique,’’ she said.

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Originally published as Jockey Michelle Payne saddles up for Big Freeze at the ’G