Mickaelle Michel is a well-known jockey in the extensive realm of horse racing. A lifelong love of horses set the 28-year-old on the path to racing. The jockey began her career in her homeland France, where she won a total of 72 races. Going out to compete in varied areas, including the US, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, propelled her career to new heights. However, after her recent victory at Australia’s Flemington Racecourse, Michel was stunned by her own performance, as this win was one of her bucket list items.

During the Flemington Racecourse’s Tour d’ Horse Trophy (1200m), Mickaelle Michel rode Southern Fire. The rider talks about how shocked she was to win at one of the most famous horse racing locations in a post-race interview that the Victoria Racing Club posted on their social media.

A dream come true for Mickaelle Michel

Mickaelle Michel has only been in Australia for a short time already. The rider sought valuable information about the Australian tracks, but her primary objective remains to win the Melbourne Cup. Before the Melbourne Cup, however, the jockey aims to practice, and her first challenge on the Aussie soil was the Tour d’ Horse Trophy.

At Flemington Racecourse, Michel was tied up with Stephen Brown-trained Southern Fire. As seen in the video published on X by Victoria Racing Club, the horse was engaged in a fierce battle with the front pack in the final stretch. However, as only one could win the horse race, Michel emerged and crossed the finish line first without having any clue of it.

The first words that came out of the jockey’s mouth were “Did I won?” as per the post-race interview. She went on to say that one of her lifelong dreams came true due to her stint at Flemington.

The horse’s superb horsemanship was something that Michel admired as well. Stephen Brown, the horse’s trainer, also attended the post-race interview, where he claimed Michel as a “world-class jockey”. However, despite winning such a big race, the rider isn’t planning her exit as she aims for more race wins at Australian soil.

Looking forward to a successful season

The recent race at Flemington was Mickaelle Michel’s third race after she arrived in Australia. The jockey, with her husband, Frederic Spanu, by her side wants to cross every item on her horse racing bucket list. According to a report by the Victoria Racing Club, she has a six-month permit to ride in Australia, and she first contacted trainer Brent Stanley before the Flemington Races.

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But now that she has won, the jockey is planning to remain in Australia for a little longer. Additionally, she said that she has been residing in “a very nice town,” and seeing kangaroos brought her immense delight. Furthermore, she expresses her pleasure in her stay, stating that the “people are very welcoming” to her. There is a lot to look forward to in the 2024 season, and Michel will not rest until she makes the most of it.

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