Dubai: Jockey Silvestre de Sousa, who says his sporting philosophy is simply to win as many races as he can, will bid for a first pattern race success at Listed Jebel Ali Racecourse today (Friday) when he partners the rapidly improving Silver Galaxy.
The Brazilian ace won the richest race in the world, the $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup with African Story in 2014, but insists that every victory, big or small, is important to him.
“I’m quite happy to win as many races as I can, that’s why I do what I do,” he said. “Winning is a lot of fun and I go into every race with the same philosophy, to give my horse the best chance of winning.”
It’s an attitude that has earned him a big reputation in the industry and victory in the 1950m feature at Jebel Ali on Friday will further enhance his current status as the leading rider in the UAE.
The Jebel Ali Stakes, first run in 1993, is the first of three major races staged at the track each season and De Sousoa’s ‘boss’, Musabah Al Muhairi, will be bidding to become the first trainer to saddle the winner in four consecutive seasons following previous successes with Treble Jig (2012-’13) and Interpret 12 months ago.
Silver Galaxy, who made his UAE debut in late November and has won twice at Jebel Ali, faces nine rivals as he chases a purse of Dh 500,000.
“I have a full book of rides on Friday and of the six, Silver Galaxy in the big race is definitely the one I am most looking forward to,” De Sousa said on Tuesday. “He has improved with each start and his work at home suggests he is still on the upgrade.
“It is a big step up in class for him but we think he deserves to take his chance in this better company. He should run well.”
The biggest threat appears to be the Doug Watson-trained Jutland who was runner-up in the race two years ago but disappointed on his appearance last January.
Jutland has had just the one start this season, when successful over course and distance, at the end of November.
“We deliberately gave him a break this season,” said Watson. “These are his optimum conditions and he is fresh and well.
Giving him a space between the two races was definitely the right thing to do and he is in great form at home.
“Silver Galaxy looked good the last day but this is a better race and we should give him a run for his money.”
Another in-form handler Satish Seemar saddles three with stable jockey, Richard Mullen, choosing Mawhub, twice a course winner this season over 1800m.
The race is sponsored by Shadwell Farm, the American arm of the breeding empire of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who has two runners in the race.
His first jockey, Paul Hanagan, rides the Erwan Charpy-trained Sefri with second jockey, Dane O’Neill, aboard Mutajare for Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Resident Jebel Ali handler Dhruba Selvaratnam sends out Dormello under stable jockey Oisin Murphy.
“He has an each way chance but it looks a good renewal. Silver Galaxy has been impressive in his two wins and is probably the one to beat.”
The main support race is the Jebel Ali Mile Prep which has attracted a select field of five, headed by last year’s winner Colmar Kid who has to give weight to his four rivals. He is trained by Al Muhairi as is Atlantic Brave, a winner at Meydan last week, his first success away from Jebel Ali, and the choice of De Sousa.
