Paris (France) (AFP) – Frenchman Mickaël Barzalona, 35, won the 2026 Cravache d'Or, an award which goes to the jockey who has won the most victories in France during the year in the galloping discipline.
Published on: 02/11/2026 - 1:33 p.m.
On the back of thoroughbreds, the Avignon jockey won a total of 176 victories and took 392 places (2nd and 3rd) on French racecourses during the flat season which takes place each year from March 1 to October 31, announced the France Galop company in a press release.
“This Golden Crop crowns an extraordinary season for me! Winning the second Golden Crop of my career while achieving nine Group 1 victories is an immense professional satisfaction,” declared Mickaël Barzalona in a press release from the France Galop company.
“I was fortunate this year to be associated with two exceptional champions, Daryz and Calandagan, who distinguished themselves at the highest level and contributed greatly to these successes,” he added, welcoming the “confidence placed in me by the Aga Khan and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.”
France Galop highlighted "the consistency of Mickaël Barzalona who this season crossed the finishing post in the lead in 25% of the races contested and was placed in the leading trio during nearly 80% of his rides!".
The jockey who notably officiates as Premier Jockey in France of the famous green and red coat of the Aga Khan family, this year has a record of 9 victories in Group 1, including 8 for the Aga Khan family, the level of excellence of the competition.
His racing season will also be marked by his association with champion Calandagan, winner of the 2025 Japan Cup and crowned best horse in the world.
With the 4-year-old horse Daryz, Mickaël Barzalona signed a rare double by winning the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2026 after having already won it in 2025.
Mickaël Barzalona had already obtained the Golden Whip in 2021, then had three consecutive Silver Whips (2022, 2023 and 2024) before winning the Bronze Whip in 2025.
© 2026 AFP
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