**Historic Melbourne Cup Win for Female Jockey Jamie Melham**

Jamie Melham made history at the Melbourne Cup, becoming the first female jockey to win both the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups. Her victory on Half Yours marks a significant milestone in Australian horse racing, a decade after Michelle Payne broke barriers by winning the Cup on Prince of Penzance.

After the race, Melham shared an emotional moment with Payne, saying, "Welcome to the club," as they embraced on the Channel Nine set at Flemington. This moment highlights the progress made in the sport over the past ten years, as well as the ongoing challenges female athletes face.

Melham's journey began when she left school at 15 to pursue a career in racing. She quickly gained recognition, winning the Adelaide Jockey's Premiership three times before moving to Melbourne, where she achieved success in Group 1 races. By 2020, she was recognized as the world's leading female jockey and, in 2021, became the first jockey to ride 100 winners in a Melbourne Premiership season.

Following her Melbourne Cup win, Melham dedicated her achievement to her late grandfather, stating, "He's up there," reflecting on the emotional weight of her victory. However, her career has not been without controversy. In 2020, she faced scrutiny when she and three other jockeys were suspended for breaching COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria. Melham and Jamie Kah, who is now her wife, were among those involved in the incident.

Kah, a prominent figure in the racing world, has also faced challenges, including a serious race fall in 2023 that left her with bleeding on the brain. Despite these setbacks, Kah and Melham have continued to excel in their careers, with both competing in this year's Melbourne Cup.

Melham's recent triumph adds to a remarkable year, which included her marriage to Kah and the loss of her grandfather just days before the Cup. With her victories in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, Melham has solidified her status in the sport, and her success is expected to open doors for future opportunities.

The image of Melham and Payne together at Flemington serves as an inspiration for aspiring female jockeys, showcasing the progress made in a traditionally male-dominated sport. As Melham continues her riding career, she is poised to further influence the landscape of horse racing in Australia.