Ryan Moore, James Doyle, Frankie Dettori and William Buick have all hit the headlines this week, blessed with big winners at Royal Ascot. But for many people, the best in the business is Silvestre De Sousa.
Rarely does the Brazilian get the big winners on terrestrial TV, and sadly the reigning champion jockey fails to get to sit on the key favourites in the big races due to deals and partnerships between owners or trainers and jockeys.
De Sousa became champion due to his hard-work, and skill. No rider travels more miles than him, he rides almost relentlessly up and down the country, desperately seeking winners. Even though he sat on a baffling 1081 horses last year, what’s remarkable is that he seems to give every single thing he can in order to achieve the best possible result.
Epsom reminded racing fans of the man’s ability in the saddle, and determination to always achieve the best. His front-running tactics aboard Salouen almost landed him the Coronation Cup ahead of Cracksman, whilst each-way backers of Dee Ex Bee were delighted by the pair’s brave yet huge effort when second in the Derby.
You’d have to flash back to August 2015 to find his last winner in Group One company. A victory that highlights De Sousa’s impeccable race tactics, when shocking the racing world as 50-1 shot Arabian Queen broke Golden Horn’s unbeaten record in the Juddmonte International.
Meanwhile yesterday, a bold front-running ride aboard Ostilio highlighted his ability to dictate a pace, leading a field of 30 all the way in the Britannia Stakes. His first win at Ascot since 2014, and now he seeks his fifth win at the meeting and one that will really put him back in the spotlight.
For many it isn’t the big race wins that makes De Sousa one of the most popular jockeys, it’s that desire and hunger has to win on every race he runs in. Whether that be in a stakes race or a handicap at Bath, a punter always trusts and knows the Brazillian ace will always give 100% in the race, and get the best result possible for their horse.
De Sousa is of course one of few freelance jockeys. He has a few affiliations, but he rides for countless trainers and is one of the best-regarded jockeys in the business. After leaving with Godolphin, he’s strongly advertised the positives behind freelancing, which allows him a bit of choice in order to ride the best horse he can choose in each race. What better way to advertise it, than winning a third champion title this season, which he is expected to do this year.
However being champion is probably not enough in De Sousa’s mind. There is still much more he wants to achieve, a classic winner and most probably a Derby winner too. The big owners and the big trainers always want the best jockeys and that’s why the likes of Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and William Buick are all somewhat limited in their choices – although often that choice is still a horse with a serious enough chance.
So when Dash Of Spice lines up as a leading player at Ascot this afternoon, remind yourself how much of a quality rider Silvestre De Sousa is. Getting his big race chances may require patience, but if he’s the best in the business, his chance will certainly come. I’m sure of it.
A Royal Ascot double, after his win on Ositlio in yesterday's closing race, would certainly put him among the best of the world’s jockeys, even if he isn’t riding the stars he’s one in his own right.
