Champion jockey-elect Silvestre De Sousa is planning to ride in America
Saturday 5 September 2015 15:08, UK
Champion jockey-elect Silvestre De Sousa is planning to ride in America over the winter.
De Sousa is currently comfortably clear of Paul Hanagan in the race for the jockeys' title and is expected to base himself at Belmont after the championship concludes at Ascot on October 17.
Former trainer Seth Benzel will be booking De Sousa's rides and he expects the jockey to adapt to American racing with few issues.
Benzel told the Thoroughbred Daily News: "I think he feels he's at the prime of his career and he wants a new challenge.
"He wants to accomplish as much as he can while he's in the prime of his career and he feels this is a great move for him.
"When you talk about British and American racing from a stylistic point of view, I think there's been a lot of differences in the past
"But I think if you look at guys like Frankie Dettori, or even Silvestre himself, they brought a more stylish riding style to English racing.
"I don't think Silvestre will have a problem at all. He carved his early days out in Brazil, and we know a lot of good jockeys have come from South America, so I don't think style will be a problem; in fact, I think it's going to be an asset.
"He's ridden at many different racetracks and in many different situations - and that includes surfaces.
"We're going to keep our options open and we're going to play it by ear and see what works out to be the best avenue."
Speaking from Haydock where he rode the first winner, Balty Boys, De Sousa confirmed: "I met Seth in Dubai and we hit it off. I think it's an interesting challenge and I'm looking forward to it - I just want to ride as many winners as possible."
