French jockey Mickaelle Michel (29), who is aiming to obtain a full-time Japan Racing Association (JRA) jockey license, took the first exam on September 25 at the JRA Racing School in Shiroi, Chiba Prefecture. This is her third attempt following previous tries in 2022 and 2023.

"There were questions I couldn't answer before due to lack of time, but this year I could answer most of them. I feel I did better than last year," she said. "I've dedicated everything to passing the JRA exam. I hope for a good result to ride in the Japanese racing scene I love."

The results of the first exam will be announced on October 3, with the second exam scheduled for January 29.