Clutching a bunch of flowers, Payne walked out of the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday and gave a brief statement to waiting reporters.

She had told a radio station she still had "fire in the belly" to compete in the spring racing carnival this year, interpreted by many as a desire to get back in the saddle.

But on Wednesday Payne said she was going to take time to think before making a decision on her future.

"I just want to take the time to relax and make the right decision," she said.

The 30-year-old tore her pancreas when she fell from one of her brother Patrick's horses at a race meeting in Mildura last month and was hospitalised for more than two weeks.

Payne thanked the staff of both Mildura Hospital and the Alfred, saying she was feeling much better than she had a fortnight ago.

"The pain from the injury and surgery was pretty intense and my doctors have told me to take it very easy for the next month at least," she said.

Payne is one of 10 children, many of whom are now involved in racing.

In 2007 older sister Bridget had a seizure and died of a heart attack, which was thought to be linked to a fall she suffered while riding track work.

Payne's father Paddy has said if he was in her position he would retire from racing, but that it was up to her to make the decision.

Patrick has been more forthright, saying he urged her to retire.

Payne shot to fame when she rode Prince Of Penzance to victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup at 100-1.

She was the first female jockey to win the prestigious prize and after the race spoke frankly about the way the racing industry treated women and girls, calling it chauvinistic.

Payne thanked trainer Darren Weir for trusting her to ride the horse, then hit back at those who doubted her ability.

"I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything and we can beat the world," she said.