French jockey Mickaelle Michel lands Australian first
In her quest to become an international jockey, Mickaelle Michel has ticked off another bucket list item with a victory at Flemington
The French jockey’s win on Southern Fire in the Tour d’ Horse Trophy (1200m) was a blowout for punters with the Stephen Brown-trained galloper sent out an $81 chance with betting sites.
Michel started out riding in France and applied her trade in Mauritius, Ireland, Japan, Belgium, Saudia Arabia, Germany, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Sweden and now Australia.
She had her first look at Flemington last week after arriving earlier in the month and Saturday’s ride aboard Southern Fire was only her third since arriving.
“This is one of the biggest tracks around the world, so I’m very happy to win,” Michel said.
“That was my wish to win a race here but wishes and what come true can be different.
“But I’m very happy to win a straight race as I hadn’t ridden in one for a long time as I left France two years ago.
“It’s just perfect.”
Travelling with her husband Fred, a former jockey, Michel has a six-month visa to ride in Australia where she is being supported by Bendigo-based trainer Brent Stanley.
She said she would like to extend her stay in Australia.
“I would like to stay longer, and I will work on this with a lawyer,” Michel said.
“I started (living) in Melbourne and now I’m living in Bendigo for the past two days. It’s a very nice town and I saw some kangaroos which has made me happy.
“I enjoy the country, it’s very nice. People are very welcoming.”
Michel said there would be no big celebrations following her maiden Australian victory.
“My trainer Brent Stanley told me I would be winning a race today, so to be winning at only my third race, is better than I had thought,” she said.
“I’m supposed to go to the Australian Open tonight. It will be not be a big party as I have to ride (at Mornington) tomorrow, just a quiet dinner and get ready for tomorrow.
“But this is the next step on where I want to go in being an international jockey.”
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