You can’t talk about fortunes of horse racing stars without talking about Jamie Melham net worth. She’s one of Australia’s top female jockeys and has made history in ways that inspire both young and old. Her story is full of determination, passion, and a strong love for what she does.
Many people admire her for her talent and courage on the track, but they’re also curious about her personal life and, of course, her net worth. We will talk about who Jamie Melham is, how she started, what her career looks like, her husband, height, and other interesting facts.
Jamie Melham Net Worth
When people see how successful Jamie Melham is, they often wonder how much she’s worth. According to several reports, her estimated net worth is between 2 million and 3 million US dollars. That’s a huge amount of money, and she earned it through hard work and dedication.
Jamie has made most of her money from horse racing. Jockeys earn from race winnings, prize money, and sponsorships, and she’s had an incredible career filled with major wins. Her victories in races like the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup brought her both fame and financial success.
Jamie Melham Early Life and Education
Jamie Melham was born in 1995 in South Australia. She grew up in a small town called Mount Pleasant, a quiet and peaceful place surrounded by farms and hills. Her real name before marriage was Jamie Kah. She didn’t come from a typical racing family, but sports definitely ran in her blood. Her parents, John Kah and Karen Gardiner-Kah, were both Olympic speed skaters who represented Australia in the Winter Games.
Growing up, Jamie loved animals, especially horses. When she was about 13 years old, she started spending time at a friend’s stable. That’s where her love for horse riding truly began. While other kids were busy with school or hanging out with friends, Jamie was waking up early to help with horses. She didn’t mind the hard work; she just loved being around them.
Jamie went to school like every other kid, but by the time she turned 15, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She decided to leave school and focus fully on becoming a jockey. It wasn’t an easy decision, but she followed her heart, and that decision changed her life forever.
Jamie Melham Career
Jamie’s career began when she started her apprenticeship in 2011. She rode her first winner in early 2012, and from there, her journey took off. She quickly gained attention in the racing world because of her calm personality and her ability to form strong connections with horses. Many trainers said she had a special touch, a natural sense that helped her understand each horse’s mood and strength.
In the 2012 – 2013 season, she won the Adelaide Jockeys’ Premiership in her very first full season. That’s something most new jockeys can only dream about. From then on, Jamie became one of the top jockeys in Australia.
She made history again in the 2020–2021 racing season when she became the first jockey, male or female, to ride 100 winners in a single Melbourne metropolitan season. That record proved that her success wasn’t just luck. It was the result of skill, focus, and years of practice.
By May 2021, Jamie had already won more than 1,000 races. Imagine that, more than a thousand victories before even turning 30. Her hard work truly paid off.
Then came another big moment in her career. In 2025, Jamie made headlines when she rode a horse named Half Yours to win both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup. That was a huge deal because she became the first woman to ever win both races in the same year.
It wasn’t just about the trophy. It was about breaking barriers in a sport that’s long been dominated by men. Her victory inspired many young girls to believe that they, too, could chase their dreams, no matter the field.
Jamie Melham Husband
Jamie Melham is married to Ben Melham, who is also a well-known Australian jockey. The two got married in January 2025, and their marriage attracted a lot of attention from racing fans. Their relationship is quite special because they both understand the pressure, risks, and rewards of racing.
Interestingly, they made history together too. They became the first married couple to ride in the same Melbourne Cup race. That’s something they’ll both remember forever.
Before marrying Ben, Jamie had been in a relationship with jockey and trainer Clayton Douglas. But she later moved on, and her marriage to Ben seems to be built on shared goals, passion, and understanding.
Jamie Melham Height
Jamie Melham’s height is around 157 centimeters, which is about 5 feet 2 inches. That’s actually quite common for jockeys because being small and light is an advantage in horse racing. The lighter a jockey is, the easier it is for the horse to carry them, especially in long races.
Jamie Kah Husband
Some people still search for “Jamie Kah husband,” not realizing that Jamie Kah and Jamie Melham are the same person. Jamie’s maiden name was Jamie Kah, but after she got married to Ben Melham in 2025, she took his surname and became Jamie Melham.
Jamie Melham Latest News
Recently, Jamie Melham has been all over the news after her incredible 2025 Melbourne Cup victory. Riding her horse, Half Yours, she became only the second woman in history to win the Melbourne Cup and the first ever to win both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup in the same year.
After the race, she gave an emotional speech, dedicating the win to her late grandfather. She said that moments like this are what she wakes up every morning for. Her humility and love for family touched the hearts of many fans around the world.
Winning the Melbourne Cup didn’t just add another title to her list, it proved that dedication and persistence always pay off. She showed that even after setbacks, a true champion can always make a strong comeback.
Ben Melham
Since we’ve mentioned him several times, let’s talk a bit more about Ben Melham. Ben is an experienced Australian jockey who started his professional career years before Jamie. He was born in 1988 in Ballarat, Victoria.
Ben made a name for himself early on, and one of his biggest moments came in 2010 when he won his first Group 1 race while riding the famous horse, Black Caviar. Since then, he has built a respected career of his own.
Having both Jamie and Ben as top jockeys in the same household must be interesting. They share a passion for the same sport, and they understand the long hours, the risks, and the joy of victory. It’s a rare kind of relationship, one that’s built on mutual respect and shared ambition.
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Conclusion
Jamie Melham’s story is a powerful one. From a small-town girl who loved horses to becoming one of Australia’s most successful jockeys, her journey shows what’s possible when you follow your passion with hard work and determination.
She’s faced challenges, yes, but she’s also broken records, inspired millions, and shown that women can reach the top of any field they choose. Her marriage to Ben Melham, her calm personality, and her history-making wins all make her one of the most admired figures in Australian sports today.
