De Sousa Crowned Champion Jockey

Silvestre de Sousa, whose season was highlighted by a win aboard Arabian Queen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International, was crowned the season’s flat champion jockey in a ceremony before racing on Champions Day at Ascot Saturday. De Sousa received the first-ever prize of £25,000 for the honor.

De Sousa rode 132 winners from more than 700 mounts this season–he was one of just three jockeys to ride that many–for a strike rate of 18%.

“It’s a bit surreal, really,” de Sousa said. “I tried to put the idea of winning the champion jockey title to the back of my mind while it was still in the balance, but now that I will win it, it feels great. I’ve always believed I had the ability to win the championship and, thanks to the owners and trainers who have supported me this season, I’ve proven I can.”

Lester Piggott, the 11-time champion jockey who presented de Sousa his award alongside three-time winner Richard Hughes, said, “He’s one of the few that rides every day. He’s looking to ride all the time and he’ll ride anything, anywhere and that is a big thing. So many of them are tied to certain stables or owners, but he can do what he likes. I think that has helped him; he’s got no ties. He can do a low weight and he deserves it, really.”

Champion apprentice in his native Sao Paulo, Brazil, de Sousa relocated to Ireland in 2003 and Britain in late 2005. He later enjoyed successful stints with Mark Johnston and then Godolphin, winning the 2013 G1 Champion S. and 2014 G1 Dubai World Cup.