Speculation is swirling around Melbourne Cup icon Michelle Payne as she appeared at Flemington today, possibly with a new romantic interest.

Payne, who famously shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female jockey to claim victory in the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance in 2015, has been seen with Gabriel Ribeiro, fueling rumors of a budding romance. The two made a public appearance together at the prestigious event.

Having initially been spotted together on social media around mid-2025, Payne and Ribeiro were photographed side by side at the racecourse, showcasing a coordinated look for the high-profile occasion.

Payne dazzled in a chic ensemble, topped off with a striking red fascinator. Her hair was styled in a sleek bun, and she kept her jewelry understated, featuring a prominent ring and subtle drop earrings.

Ribeiro complemented her style with a dashing blue suit, paired with a crisp white shirt, a red and navy patterned tie, and a small horseshoe pin on his lapel, perfectly suited for the racing event.

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

A resident of the Gold Coast, Ribeiro has been a notable presence in Payne’s life recently, first making an appearance on her Instagram in June when the pair enjoyed a vacation 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.’