Watch a Melbourne Cup Movie for FREE in Manly!

To mark the return of the Melbourne Cup for 2021, Manly Harbour Village is hosting a FREE movie event at the Little Bayside Park Royal Esplanade. This Manly screening will feature “Ride Like a Girl,” a 2019 film about the life of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to participate in the Melbourne Cup.



Happening on Saturday, 6 November 2021, the showcase will run at 7:00 p.m. Prior to the screening, however, there will be a parade of lights and a chance to partake in a few takeaway options, including some delicious fish and chips from Moreton Bay. 

Visitors to the esplanade can expect a wonderful evening of entertainment with the gorgeous Manly Harbour in the background. Pack a picnic and bring chairs, cushions, and rugs to get settled for the movie. 

Ride Like A Girl Manly Movie
Photo Credit: Manly Harbour Village

“Ride Like a Girl” stars Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne, the youngest of 10 kids, who was trained to ride by her single dad, Paddy Payne, played by Sam Neill. Payne grew up in Miners Rest in Victoria and won the Melbourne Cup in 2015, riding Prince of Penzance. 

The film was originally released in September 2019, where Palmer was recognized for her acting at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (ACCTA). The film is written by Andrew Knight and Elise McCredie and directed by Rachel Griffiths. 

The movie also features Steve Payne, Brooke Satchwell, Sullivan Stapleton, Zara Zoe, Sophie Forrest, Shane Bourne and Magda Szubanski.