Michelle Payne family rocked by death of Bernadette, aged 51

The sister of legendary jockey Michelle Payne has died.

The Paynes are a famous horse racing family, with Ballarat trainer Paddy Payne raising 10 children.

Michelle shot to superstardom in 2015 after she won the Melbourne Cup, but Bernadette Payne was also a jockey.

She retired in 2009 but had a successful career, riding around 200 winners.

Racing Victoria issued a statement on behalf of the family on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Bernadette has passed away,” the statement said.

“She had a very difficult and challenging time in recent years and we find solace in the hope that she is now at peace.

“She was loved by many throughout her life.

“We ask that our family’s privacy is respected at this time. Thank you.”

Bernadette was just 51 years of age.

Sadly, the Payne family has dealt with more than its fair share of tragedy.

Paddy’s wife Mary died in a car accident when Michelle was just six months old.

Paddy — with the help of his older children — raised the family by himself.

Michelle’s other sister, Brigid, also lost her life way too soon.

Brigid was 36 when she died from a heart attack in 2007.

Michelle spoke about Bernadette in an interview on Racing.com last year.

“Bernadette was 11 years old and getting up in the middle of the night feeding me,” she said.

“Amazing what they did and just without any fuss they just did what they had to do.

“It was just incredible that they got through it and that they’re so strong.”

Funeral details are expected to released shortly.