The first official image from Ride Like a Girl, the major new feature film directed by Rachel Griffiths, has been released today.

 Ride Like a Girl tells the incredible life story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. The film stars Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) as Michelle Payne and Sam Neill (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Jurassic Park, The Piano) as her father who raised Michelle and her nine siblings as a single father.

 Rachel Griffiths said: “We are celebrating both Michelle's resilience and athletic brilliance, as well as her sisters’ inspiring achievements in the sport before her. We also explore the profound impact of those men who gave her opportunities and stood by her at critical moments and hope to inspire more men to become champions of change.”

 Producer Richard Keddie said: “This is the most inspiring and significant story I have ever worked on. As a role model for young women, it is hard to think of a braver, harder working young woman than Michelle. As a joyous human being who has excelled in his field as a strapper, it is an incredible honour to see Stevie Payne acting in one of our lead roles, playing himself, in what I believe is a world first. And as a man who raised 10 wonderful kids on his own, Paddy Payne is one of my favourite all-time people. Making this film is a privilege.”

Stevie, who has Down Syndrome, captured the hearts of all who saw the Melbourne Cup win with his humour and his devotion both to Michelle and her winning horse Prince of Penzance.

Ride Like a Girl is the feature film debut by Rachel Griffiths, who has been determined to make the film from the moment she watched the momentous race in which Michelle Payne made history. Joining Teresa and Sam in the cast are Sullivan Stapleton as Darren Weir, trainer of the Prince of Penzance, Genevieve Morris as Michelle’s racing manager and, as her siblings, Brooke Satchwell, Sophia Forrest, Anneliese Apps, Katie Castles, Veronica Thomas, Zara Zoe, Aaron Glenane and Henry Nixon. Young Michelle Payne is being played by Summer North and young Stevie Payne is being played by Gryffin Morrison.

Sally Caplan, Head of Production at Screen Australia, said: “Ride Like a Girl is the first feature from the Gender Matters: Brilliant Stories project to go into production, and the excitement in the market place about the film is testament to the industry’s commercial confidence in Rachel’s directing and female-led, Australian stories.”

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: “This year is shaping up to be a bumper year for Victoria’s screen sector and Ride Like a Girl is part of an impressive slate of local productions that will go on to screen across the globe. The 2018-19 Budget includes $8.4 million to ensure our state continues to be a destination of choice for productions of all sizes and secure a strong pipeline of work for the 11,500 Victorians employed across our screen industry.”

Ride Like a Girl is currently filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria (Australia).

Ride Like a Girl is directed by Rachel Griffiths, produced by Richard Keddie, and written by Andrew Knight and Elise McCredie. Screen Australia is the principal investor, in association with Film Victoria, and the Victoria State Government. Substantial support has come from the private investment community. The film is also supported by major sponsors: Holden, Racing Victoria and Tabcorp, as well as support from Regional Development Victoria, and the Ballarat City Council.