- Stevie has Down Syndrome and has been by his sisters side through her career
Stevie Payne – the brother of Melbourne Cup champion Michelle Payne – says he has never been happier after meeting his girlfriend, Katherine Mansour.
The pair, who both have Down syndrome, met on the dancefloor at a racing gala and quickly bonded over their love of dancing.
Stevie described Katherine as his ‘best friend and girlfriend,’ calling their connection life-changing.
‘Our favourite thing is dancing together,’ Stevie told News Corp.
‘We met on the dance floor. She makes me really happy. I love dancing and we love dancing together.’
Stevie, who has Down syndrome, works as Michelle’s strapper and has been by her side throughout her racing career.
Stevie Payne, the brother of champion Melbourne Cup jockey Michelle Payne, has found love with new girlfriend Katherine Mansour
Stevie and Katherine met at a racing gala and have a shared love of dancing that brought them together
Rugby league champion and media personality Millie Boyle was one of the first to congratulate the couple.
‘So happy for you Stevie,’ she posted.
‘Awww you two are adorable Stevie! So happy to see you happy,’ another follower said.
‘Fabulous Stevie you two are great on the dance floor,’ another added.
Stevie and Michelle’s bond captured worldwide attention when Michelle won the 2015 Melbourne Cup on Prince of Penzance, with Stevie leading the horse in.
He also played another key role, drawing barrier 1 which gave them the best shot at victory.
Michelle has often said she could not have achieved her historic victory without Stevie’s support.
‘To have him on that day with me was unbelievable,’ she said.
Stevie Payne was by his sister’s side throughout her whole journey toward becoming a Melbourne Cup champion
Stevie also got to play himself in the movie Ride Like a Girl about his sister’s Melbourne Cup success
‘I have such huge respect for him. He just seems to take it all in his stride. He’s hilarious and smart.
‘He’s had to navigate through life with his own challenges. He’s remarkable, just to see what he does and how he does it is amazing.’
The siblings grew up in a large family in Ballarat, where horses were central to their lives.
Michelle frequently credits Stevie with keeping her grounded and reminding her of what matters beyond racing.
Their relationship challenges stereotypes, showcasing the value of inclusion and family in elite sport.
The pair’s story was later brought to life in the film Ride Like a Girl, where Stevie played himself.
Across her career, Payne claimed more than 700 race wins and built a reputation as one of Australia’s most determined riders.
After suffering serious injuries and enduring multiple comebacks, she announced her retirement from race riding in 2021.
Payne has since focused on her work as a horse trainer, running her own stable at Ballarat.
Today, she continues to mentor young riders, train horses, and advocate for women in racing.
