STAR Major provided trainer James Crawford and French-born jockey Mickaelle Michel with the biggest wins of their careers, when capturing the Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday.

Michel, who rode as part of the successful ladies’ team at the 2021 Shergar Cup, became just the second female jockey to win a South African Grade 1.

Since being crowned champion apprentice in her native country with 72 wins to her name in 2018, the now 30-year-old has travelled the world in search of opportunities, landing Group 2s in Germany and Italy, and notching wins in Australia, Japan and the US.

Following her length-and-a-half win, Michel wrote on X: “I can’t find the words to express these feelings...

“I’ve travelled around horse racing circuits all over the world, searching for a champion horse like him. And I can’t thank this champion I’ve finally met enough.

“From here on, I’ll strive to win many Group 1s, and this will be the first of them.”

Both Michel and Crawford have strong chances of adding to their Grade 1 haul next month, as Star Major is now favourite for the Durban July worth R10million (€529,676).