Mickael Barzalona will leave his position as Godolphin’s principal rider in France at the end of 2024 to become first jockey for the Aga Khan Studs.
Appointed a retained jockey in March, 2012, Mickael has recorded more than 90 Group-race wins during his time with Godolphin, including 14 at G1 level.
He has enjoyed Classic success with Castle Lady in the 2019 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Victor Ludorum in the 2020 Poule d’Essai des Poulains. Mickael was crowned champion jockey in France for the first time in 2021.
More recently he won the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Tribalist and will be riding him the G1 Prix de la Foret this weekend.
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director (UK and Dubai) of Godolphin, said: “Mickael has been a mainstay of the Godolphin team for over 12 years and we want to thank him for his outstanding contribution to our racing success internationally. He has ridden many G1 winners for us across Europe and in Dubai and always shown immense talent and professionalism as a top-class jockey. He has grown up with Godolphin and of course we are sorry to see him go but we wish him every success in his next venture where he is sure to flourish.”