The Japan Racing Association (JRA) recently announced that the jockey Michel has failed to qualify for the jockey license. Details on why Michel did not meet the licensing criteria were not disclosed in the headline. The news comes as a blow to Michel, expected to make significant strides in Japan's horse racing scene. The announcement comes as part of JRA's periodic release of qualified and non-qualified jockeys.

Horse Racing is a popular sport in Japan and JRA, as the governing body, controls and uphold standards of jockeying in the country. Acquiring a JRA license is considered a prestigious achievement amongst dedicated jockeys and those aspiring to make a name in the Japanese horse racing circuit. The news is significant as it may spark debates around JRA's licensing process and its transparency.

In the US or EU, comparable processes exist with governing bodies responsible for maintaining sport standards, such as issuing licenses. However, news about a jockey failing to receive a license might not garner as much attention unless the individual involved is famous or the failure occurs under suspicious circumstances.