Golam waves hit British racing circuit

Apprentice Saleem Golam is creating gentle waves in the British racing circuit.

Golam, whose parents are from Mauritius but was born in Leyton, is set to have his first ride at Glorious Goodwood today when he partners Babondana in the totesport handicap.

The 21-year-old East Londener has ridden 26 winners to date, mostly for trainer Mark Tompkins.

He has come a long way since riding the first winner of his career in 2003 aboard the Gay Kelleway-trained Salerno at Wolverhampton.

He has shed two lb off his claim and is eager to shake off his apprentice tag as early as possible.

Golam was even based in Dubai for a short while where he rode work for Gay's sister Sarah.

The talented youngster is blazing the comeback trail after escaping serious injury in a fall last July at Newmarket. He broke three vertebrae in the incident and could only return to the saddle this year.

It's not just the Brazilian footballers who are in demand these days. Racing stables in Britain are snapping up the South Americans as if they were fast going out of style.

Over 50 Brazilians are employed in racing in the Lambourn area alone and Paul Cole's apprentice Nelson de Souza boasts the highest profile of the lot thanks to his five wins aboard the Cadeaux Genereux colt Eisteddfod.

Before arriving at Cole's stable de Souza had ridden 32 winners in his home city of Sao Paulo. He was forced to seek employment in the UK as a result of the setback the economy is facing in Brazil.

The 21-year-old apprentice was expecting no more than employment as a groom at Cole's Whatcombe stable but is grateful to be given the chance to ride winners for the establish handler.

Like all Brazilians de Souza loves his football. He recently led a Brazilian squad of players employed in racing to victory over a United Nations team.