Jockey Michelle Payne Pleads Guilty To Taking A Banned Substance

Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne has been suspended for four weeks after testing positive to a banned substance, an appetite suppressant.

The 31 year-old faced a Racing Victoria inquiry on Thursday morning where she apologised and said she regretted the way she handled the situation. 

"I take full responsibility. I'm embarrassed and I apologise."

Payne returned the positive test at the Swan Hill Cup meeting on June 11 and was stood down from races and trackwork on June 23.

The ban remains in place until July 21st.

Payne was the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, riding Prince of Penzance in 2015.