A feel good horseracing movie on a cold February evening was a very enjoyable way to kick off 2023 for WINR.

The popcorn, crisps and fizzy drinks went down a treat with everyone who attended, and the Kildangan Stud Cape Cross Centre makes for a comfortable and high impact cinema experience. There was a diverse audience including a group of young women from RACE, chaperoned by WINR committee member Fiona Dowling. A number of other committee members, as well as founder member, Meta Osborne, and Orla Murtagh, Jennifer Pugh and Tom Rudd were present. Clodagh Kavanagh welcomed everyone and gave some WINR beanie spot prizes to this who knew their stuff about the Melbourne Cup. Clodagh was followed by Breda Kelly, Godolphin Ireland HR manager, who pointed out the theme of diversity and inclusion that ran through the movie. There was a spontaneous round of applause as the movie ended, and the emotional roller coaster of the story of Michelle Payne’s life and her epic win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup came to a close. As the lights came on, a few tears were wiped away and there was lots of chat about the inspiration in the movie for female jockeys and indeed for those with intellectual disabilities like Michelle’s brother, Stevie, who has Downs Syndrome. Thank you to all of those who attended and we look forward to your ongoing support for WINR for our summer and autumn events this year.

Click here to view photos of the event.