Jockey Michelle Payne escaped major injuries in a fall at a Victorian country meeting but was having precautionary x-rays on her back on Sunday night.
Payne was taken to the local hospital after the fall at Donald which happened when her mount El Devine knuckled over coming out of the barriers in the first race, tossing her over his head.
After being treated for bruising to her chest and face, Payne was transferred from Donald Hospital to Ballarat where she lives.
Des O’Keeffe of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association said the popular rider was complaining of back and shoulder pain.
“Michelle has full movement of her limbs and the scans are precautionary,” O’Keeffe said.
“She has pain in her back and shoulder as well as bruising to her chest and face and a cut lip.
“She was transported to Ballarat close to home after going to the Donald hospital.”
Payne is the youngest member of the famous Victorian racing family and the eighth of 11 children to become a jockey.
Her brother Patrick is now a successful trainer after a stellar career in the saddle which ended due to weight problems and included a Cox Plate aboard Northerly.
Now 26, Michelle Payne rode her first winner at her first ride at the age of 15 for her trainer father Paddy.
Her family tried to convince her to give up riding after a March 2004 fall which left her with a fractured skull and bruising to her brain.
She recovered from those injuries and has gone on to win four Group One races on Allez Wonder and Yosei.
