French jockey Mickaëlle Michel prepares for a historic ride at the Hollywoodbets Durban July

French jockey Mickaëlle Michel is preparing for one of the biggest moments of her career as she partners history-making filly Curious Girl in the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

This year’s race marks a historic milestone, with two female jockeys competing in the prestigious event for the first time.

Michel will ride Curious Girl, who made headlines in April after becoming the first filly in 108 years to win the Grade 2 TAB SA Derby. Trained by father-and-son duo Mike de Kock and Mathew de Kock and owned by Hollywood Racing, the filly has already carved out her place in South African racing history.

The horse was bred by Riyo Stud and earned her name because she was constantly peering out of her stable, curiously watching everything around her.

Michel’s own journey to South Africa has been just as remarkable. Arriving in December 2025 for what was meant to be a five-week visit, the French rider has now spent more than seven months in the country after quickly establishing herself among the country’s top jockeys.

During her stay, she became only the second female jockey to win a South African Grade 1 race when she guided Star Major to victory in the Daily News 2000. She also partnered the colt to success in the Grade 2 World Sports Betting Guineas at Greyville.

“I love to travel around the world. I feel it’s the best way to learn and become a better jockey,” Michel said.

“I met Mathew in Australia a few years ago and we talked about South Africa. When I heard he was coming back here, I felt it was a chance for me. I arrived in December. The plan was to stay only five weeks, but everything just went so well. I really love the country and its people and they gave me good horses, so I decided to stay longer.”

Michel described herself as an international jockey, having ridden winners in 14 countries during an eight-year career. In 2018, she set a record for a female jockey in France with 72 winners and has since recorded more than 300 career victories across countries including Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Dubai and Australia.

Her partnership with Mathew de Kock began while he was training in Australia, and she followed him to South Africa after his return.

She believes her experience across different racing jurisdictions has been one of her greatest strengths.

“I hope that all my international experience in every different country will be an advantage in the July,” she said.

Michel said adapting to South African racing required changes to her riding style, particularly because of the country’s longer home straights.

“You have to adjust the way you are riding. You have to be more patient. Compared to Europe, Japan or Australia, where we race 16 to 18 horses per race, the fields in South Africa are small at around 14 horses.”

However, she noted that the Hollywoodbets Durban July presents a different challenge altogether, with a maximum field of 18 runners and a relatively short 400-metre home straight.

“To compete in the races this weekend it is important to have horses that enjoy a smaller track without a long straight,” she explained.

“I also think the draw is very important, more than on the other tracks. Because the home stretch is very short at only 400 metres, you need a horse who has a nice turn of foot.”

Following the Durban July, Michel plans to remain in South Africa until the Gold Cup before returning to France. She hopes to secure a long-term visa that will allow her to return in October for the next Champions Season.

IOL