Racing Victoria chief executive Bernard Saundry has congratulated 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne on being announced as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious ‘The Don’ Award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Payne was recognized for her inspiring victory aboard Prince of Penzance in November 2015 when she became the first female jockey to win Australia’s most famous horse race its 155-year history.

“On behalf of Racing Victoria, we wish to congratulate Michelle on being recognised as Australia's most prestigious sports person after winning The Don tonight,” Mr Saundry said.

“An incredible group of athletes were nominated from an array of sporting backgrounds and it is inspiring to see Michelle touch the hearts of all Australians – she truly is an icon who has transcended racing and deserves every accolade bestowed on her."

Seven individuals and one team made the shortlist of athletes who have inspired the nation over the past 12 months during as Australian athletes and teams excelled on the world stage.

'The Don' Award is widely regarded as Australia’s leading contemporary sporting award and is named in honour of Australian sporting Legend and first Sport Australia Hall of Fame Inductee, the late Sir Donald Bradman AC.

'The Don' is awarded annually to the athlete or team who, through their performance and example over the past year (September 2015 - September 2016), has most inspired the nation.

Payne joins champion Victorian jockey Damien Oliver as a winner of ‘The Don’. He received the award in 2003 following his courageous victory in the 2002 Emirates Melbourne Cup aboard Media Puzzle just days after the tragic death of his brother Jason.