De Sousa takes title for third time
SILVESTRE DE SOUSA, currently suspended for misuse of the whip, will be crowned champion jockey for the third time at today’s Qipco Champions Day at Ascot. However, the 37-year-old Brazilian will soon depart to Hong Kong where he will ride for four months before returning to this country.
The popular rider travelled more than 75,000 miles this year to secure his title.
“The other two championship wins were good, but this one feels even better,” he said.
“I have put a lot of effort in this year to win the title again, and it feels that extra bit special after having such a slow start to the season. There are a lot of incredible jockeys in this country and some very good young jockeys coming through.
“All I want to do is ride more winners every year and give everything, not just for me, but for my family as well.”
He will receive his trophy from Champions Day ambassadors Adam Gemili (World and European 4x100m relay champion) and Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Commonwealth Heptathlon champion). Jason Watson, who rode his 100th winner of the campaign on Beverley Bullet at Redcar yesterday, will crowned the season’s champion apprentice.
Despite the trainers’ title running until December 31, John Gosden is expected to be the champion. He leads Aidan O’Brien by £1.4m.
Gosden, who celebrated a third win in the Arc de Triomphe with Enable, said: “It has been some season. But if I was to nominate the highlight it would Stradivarius winning those four Cup races.”