French experience coming for Michael Poy

Michael Poy is the latest young jockey to be given the opportunity of overseas experience having been chosen to ride in an apprentices race in France.

Poy follows in the footsteps of fellow Victorian apprentices Beau Mertens and Lachie King when he rides in the Longines Prix Future Racing Stars (1600m) at Chantilly on June 17.

The race will be held at the same meeting as the Group One Prix de Diane (the French Oaks) which a attracts a crowd of up to 40,000 racegoers.

Poy, in the second year of his apprenticeship and based at Caulfield with Henry Dwyer, is the son of retired champion jockey Michael Clarke who won the 1986 Melbourne Cup on At Talaq and 1990 Cox Plate on Better Loosen Up.

Clarke also rode Better Loosen Up to win the Japan Cup but never got the chance to ride in France.

“It’s great that I’ve got one up on Dad so early in my career,” Poy said.

“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity Racing Victoria has given me.

“I’ve heard it’s the second biggest race meeting of the year over there, after the Arc (Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe), so I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere.

“I’ve never been to France so it’ll be a great learning curve for me and not just from a racing perspective.”

Poy said he had spoken to King who rode in the series last year.

“He said he had an amazing time on and off the track,” Poy said.

“He’s been absolutely flying lately and I’m sure the experience helped him improve his riding.

“You’re riding against apprentices from all over the world, so it’s a great chance to compare yourself with other jockeys.

“I can’t wait to get over there and with a bit of luck I can come back with a win.”