The 2015 British jockey’s championship may be his to lose, but highly regarded Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa insists that he does not believe in setting any personal targets for himself.
De Sousa, who is enjoying the best form of his life as a free agent since parting ways with Godolphin at the end of last season, is the clear leader in the hotly contested title race which culminates on British Champions Day on October 17 at Ascot.
He is a good 25 wins clear of his closest challengers, William Buick and Paul Hanagan, but the Brazilian is still not losing any sleep thinking of what may lie in store for him.
“I am not setting targets, everything will come in good time,” he told Gulf News during York’s Ebor meeting.
“It’s a nice thought, being champion jockey, but it’s not over yet. It’s still a long way to go and you have to take it step by step. I don’t want to put big hopes on myself and then get disappointed.
“But yes, it’s important in any jockey’s career to be crowned champion jockey, particularly here in the UK, and this is something I realise. But for the moment I just want to concentrate and not lose focus on my day to day obligations.”
Earlier this week De Sousa claimed his highest profile victory since becoming a brand ambassador for Al Basti Equiworld when he rode 50-1 outsider Arabian Queen to a stunning victory over Epsom Derby and Eclipse victor Golden Horn in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
How much did this mean to him, being his biggest victory since African Story won the 2014 Dubai World Cup at Meydan racecourse.
“Obviously I was very pleased and thanks to the trainer [David Elsworth] who had the confidence to put me up on big occasions like these,” he said. “It was a nice feeling to be able to win such a prestigious race for him with a horse that he has always held in high regard.
“She’s a nice filly and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come from her.
“The Dubai World Cup was a big thing for me, it should be when you win the richest race in the world,” De Sousa added. “I was very happy. I always believe in giving one hundred per cent and doing it with dedication.
“So they are different kind of races, but each has its own significance as it’s not always easy as a freelancer to get these kind of rides and to win with them. The Juddmonte has come at a nice time.
“This year has been a bit frustrating for me as well because when you’re freelancing you have to please a lot of people - you have to please the trainers, the owners and yourself. Its nice when you get up and you have a job, you have a yard to go ride for,” he said with a touch of discontent.
“Freelancing is a bit like sitting on the bench and waiting for spare rides, that’s what I’m doing at the moment. You depend a lot on luck and hope for the good rides to come along. It’s nice to have a job and I have no regrets.”
Talking to the jockey, who has come a long way since winning the Brazilian apprentice championship in Sao Paulo, you appreciate just how much passion he has for his profession. He has a cherished work ethic, has been outperforming his peers and looks a deserving champion.
“When you look at my statistics you will see that I will always go anywhere for a ride,” he said. “I’ll ride anywhere as it helps me stay positive and I just try to keep doing the same thing. If things happen for me then they happen. I’m pleased if something falls into my lap. It’s the way I am.”
Statistics speak the truth. There are 33 races in operation in the UK and De Sousa has ridden at 30 of them. He has amassed close to a century of wins, which is pretty impressive considering that there are close to 450 jockeys available for trainers to choose from. Add to that the 41 winners that he booted home in the UAE during the 2014-2015 season when riding primarily as stable jockey to champion trainer Musabah Al Muhairi.
“I had a fantastic season with Musabah, it really exceeded my expectations,” said De Sousa. “Racing in the UAE can be very competitive, so to have those kind of results is very pleasing. It helps when you’re trying to find you feet again as a freelance rider.”
The Brazilian also had nice words to offer on his association as a brand ambassador of Al Basti Equiworld.
“Thanks to Mr. Malih Al Basti, I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of his portfolio of riders who wear his logo. It was nice to win the Juddmonte wearing his breeches, and I hope there will be many more wins to come.
“I just hope that I can do well for him, he’s such a big supporter of racing and he’s a proper gentleman.”
