It was reported that Mickael Barzalona delivered an impressive performance at the International Jockeys Championship, winning both the opening and closing legs of the four-race event at Happy Valley. This achievement positioned him as the third French jockey to claim the prestigious trophy, following in the footsteps of Christophe Lemaire and Olivier Peslier.
Barzalona's journey began with a thrilling victory in the first leg aboard Sergeant Pepper, where he narrowly edged out William Buick at the finish line, securing an initial 12 points. Just half an hour later, he showcased his potential when he rode Forever Glorious in the second leg, only to be narrowly defeated by James McDonald’s Prince Alex, with Colin Keane taking third place.
The third leg saw Hollie Doyle take the spotlight, with her mount Soleil Fighter winning amid tight competition, leaving Barzalona and McDonald unable to add to their scores. In the final leg, Barzalona was determined to maintain his lead. Despite starting from stall 12, he successfully piloted Aurora Lady to victory, ensuring his championship status.
Reflecting on his strategy, Barzalona emphasised the importance of securing quick points early in the competition with horses that were not necessarily favourites. He expressed gratitude for joining the ranks of previous champions alongside Peslier and Lemaire, acknowledging the challenge of the competition. Meanwhile, other jockeys like McDonald and Doyle shared second place, having also registered wins throughout the event.