The French jockey Mickaelle Michel, who is riding in South Africa, has lost her saddle and helmet as a result of the incident which happened overnight
Mickaelle Michel: had her saddle and helmet stolen
A jockey has appealed to the public for help recovering her riding equipment after her car was broken into. Michel is one of France’s most successful female riders who, since becoming champion apprentice with a then record score of 72 in her home country, has travelled the world pursuing her career.
She has earned idol status during regular visits to Japan, has ridden a Group 2 winner in Germany and competed in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, where she finished on the winning team. More recently she has followed stints in the US and Australia, riding winners at Churchill Downs and Flemington, and Japan, where she still hopes to ride full-time, by trying out South Africa for the first time.
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Since arriving in November last year Michel, 30, has ridden eight winners from 90 rides and has applied to extend her stay until the end of the South African season.
But on Wednesday she posted that she has lost some her kit after falling victim to a crime.
She said: “I am asking help to South African people. Yesterday night, I’ve been stole from my car by two people.
Mickaelle Michel: has been riding in South Africa
“They took all my jockeys stuff. Saddle and helmet…If you see anything on a selling website like Facebook market please let me know.”
The reactions from her 48,000 followers, many from Japan, included: “That must have been really tough. It’s a horrible story, but I’m glad Mickaelle is safe. I’m praying the culprit gets caught soon.”
Another said: “I’m so glad Mickaelle is safe. Hoping the jockey equipment gets found soon.”
The incident has not deterred the jockey from staying in South Africa.
She told sportingpost.co.za : “The way South Africans have responded to try and assist me has made me very emotional. The equipment can be replaced and it is what it is.”