Guided by her French agent and husband, former jockey Frederic Spanu, Michel recognised the importance of travelling to learn and experience different horse racing tactics from around the world. Each country presented its unique challenges and approaches to horse racing, enriching Michel’s knowledge and skills in the process.
Now, Michel is in Australia to gain even more experience, a place that was always on her bucket list.
“Trainer Brent Stanley asked me for a few years to come here but it wasn’t the right time for me in my career to do it. Now I feel it's a good time. Also, female jockeys are doing very well here… and I just want to enjoy it.” Michel said.
She will partner the Brent Stanley-trained Serenaur at Flemington on Saturday.
The skilled jockey will use all her experience to adapt to racing here, which is slightly different to what she is used to, but a challenge she is looking forward to.
“I watch the Melbourne Cup every year and a few big races, but I have to learn a lot. I know they run with many horses per race. Races are fast and on the turf so I will try to get all my experience together to do my best here and make the trainer and owner happy.”