Mickaelle Michel made her JRA return after five years
Monday, 25 November, 2024 21:27
Mickaelle Michel (Photo: Takao Sonoda)
French jockey Mickaelle Michel made her return to Japan Racing Association (JRA) races for the first time in over five years, riding Allmeru Vento (2-year-old colt) in Race 8, the Begonia Sho, at Tokyo Racecourse. Despite a rough start, the pair showed resilience mid-race but ultimately finished 10th.
Michel's previous JRA appearance was at Sapporo Racecourse in August 2019 during the World All-Star Jockeys series. Currently, she is riding under a short-term NAR license, valid from October 7 to December 20, and is based at Kawasaki Racecourse.
Reflecting on her JRA comeback, Michel expressed her excitement in Japanese, saying, "I was thrilled and happy." She was deeply moved by the cheers from Japanese fans, sharing, "I heard so many people calling my name in the paddock and during the warm-up. I wanted to wave and smile back, but instead, I waved in my mind." Riding at Tokyo Racecourse for the first time, she described it as "a very large and beautiful course." She also mentioned her plans to stay and watch the Japan Cup, held later that day, to soak in the atmosphere.
Since 2022, Michel has been taking the JRA jockey licensing exam and reaffirmed her desire to ride in Japan. "Standing behind the starting gates, I felt even more strongly about wanting to race here again. It would be amazing to return and race many times," she said with a smile, showing her determination.
Trainer Hiroaki Kawazu, who saddled Allmeru Vento, commented, "I told her to be careful not to drift outside, but they still did. Still, she did well to recover." He appreciated the buzz surrounding Michel's return, adding, "Having her ride on such a big day and energize the crowd was fantastic."
For Kawazu, it was also a return to a special stage. In the 1990 Japan Cup, he rode Ibn Bey as an NAR jockey. Looking back, he recalled the electrifying atmosphere, "The cheers were overwhelming, and as we entered the track, the roar was deafening. It was like the ground was shaking. That's what the Japan Cup is." His reflections underscored the magnitude of the day for both the veteran trainer and the returning star jockey.
Michel's previous JRA appearance was at Sapporo Racecourse in August 2019 during the World All-Star Jockeys series. Currently, she is riding under a short-term NAR license, valid from October 7 to December 20, and is based at Kawasaki Racecourse.
Reflecting on her JRA comeback, Michel expressed her excitement in Japanese, saying, "I was thrilled and happy." She was deeply moved by the cheers from Japanese fans, sharing, "I heard so many people calling my name in the paddock and during the warm-up. I wanted to wave and smile back, but instead, I waved in my mind." Riding at Tokyo Racecourse for the first time, she described it as "a very large and beautiful course." She also mentioned her plans to stay and watch the Japan Cup, held later that day, to soak in the atmosphere.
Since 2022, Michel has been taking the JRA jockey licensing exam and reaffirmed her desire to ride in Japan. "Standing behind the starting gates, I felt even more strongly about wanting to race here again. It would be amazing to return and race many times," she said with a smile, showing her determination.
Trainer Hiroaki Kawazu, who saddled Allmeru Vento, commented, "I told her to be careful not to drift outside, but they still did. Still, she did well to recover." He appreciated the buzz surrounding Michel's return, adding, "Having her ride on such a big day and energize the crowd was fantastic."
For Kawazu, it was also a return to a special stage. In the 1990 Japan Cup, he rode Ibn Bey as an NAR jockey. Looking back, he recalled the electrifying atmosphere, "The cheers were overwhelming, and as we entered the track, the roar was deafening. It was like the ground was shaking. That's what the Japan Cup is." His reflections underscored the magnitude of the day for both the veteran trainer and the returning star jockey.
Article Creds:Daily Sports