SILVESTRE DE SOUSA’S dreams became reality at Newmarket as he bagged his first ever Classic in a dramatic 1000 Guineas.
The three-time champion jockey lifted 28-1 shot Elmalka to a last-gasp success as he made his loudest statement yet since returning to the UK.
PAElmalka and Silvestre De Sousa (right) won a thrilling 1000 Guineas[/caption]
Fair to say De Sousa’s career was on the rocks when he jetted back to Blighty after an ill-fated stint in Hong Kong.
The Brazilian, 43, made the switch to the Far East in 2022 having lost his job with King Power Racing.
But after just a few months he found himself in hot water having assisted fellow jock Vagner Borges to place bets on racing, resulting in a 10-month ban.
With his brief spell in Hong Kong over and his opportunities having dried up in Britain, he could have disappeared from the game entirely.
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But he has returned to these shores with a vengeance and produced a never-say-die ride on Roger Varian’s outsider.
At the halfway point she was flat to the boards in a share of last place and seemingly going nowhere.
At the half-furlong pole she was finishing faster than anything, somehow finding a sixth gear in the dying strides to get her head in front on the line.
No doubt, De Sousa has grabbed his second chance with both hands. He grinned: “It really is a dream come true, I’ve always wanted to win a Classic.
“I’m very grateful to Roger for giving me the opportunity and I’m delighted for the yard and the whole team.
“She just took a few strides to organise herself, she really picked up well for me going into the dip and entering the final furlong I thought we’d get there.
“I’m having to start my career here again and these wins are important, I can still do it when I get the opportunities so hopefully this is just the start.”
Fair to say this was a pleasant surprise for Varian, who added: “I have to admit, I wasn’t really expecting that.
“We know she is a nice horse and who knows where we will end up this season. She looks very exciting.”
Spare a thought for French raider Ramatuelle, who looked all over the winner barely 100 yards from the line.
Jockey Aurelien Lemaitre made his bid for glory over two furlongs from home and she quickened clear of the field.
But the petrol gauge was flickering red inside the final furlong and she was swamped late – losing two places in the final two strides with Porta Fortuna snatching second.
Trainer Christopher Head didn’t throw his jockey under the bus and was chuffed with his filly’s run.
He said: “She ran an incredible race, I think she was travelling so well Aurelien had to kick for home.
“I thought she was going to hang on but I’m very proud of her.”
Tamfana also looked an unlucky loser for trainer David Menuisier, while Ylang Ylang finished well to grab fifth, and both fillies were cut for the Oaks at Epsom on May 31.
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