Silvestre De Sousa Crowned Champion Jockey in Historic UAE Season
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Brazilian jockey Silvestre De Sousa capped off his first full season in the United Arab Emirates by clinching the 2024–2025 Champion Jockey title with 54 wins—seven clear of the multiple champion Tadhg O’Shea. De Sousa secured his lead with crucial victories in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, including a standout performance in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup aboard Dubai Future for Godolphin.
At 44, the three-time British Champion Jockey (2015, 2017, and 2018) added another milestone to his decorated career, which already includes a Dubai World Cup victory in 2014 with African Story, trained by Saeed bin Suroor in the royal blue silks of Godolphin. He credited much of his success this season to the strong support from trainers such as Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Majed Al Jahoori, as well as from Yas Racing, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
With over 4,000 career wins worldwide, De Sousa not only topped the UAE jockeys' standings but also ended O’Shea’s long-standing dominance—the Irishman having claimed the title 12 times. |
The battle between the two jockeys remained intense throughout the season, but De Sousa pulled ahead decisively with his Dubai Gold Cup win on April 5. He solidified his championship in the final two meetings: first in Al Ain on April 10, where he scored a double aboard AA RX Burn and RB Blynd Date (both trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri); and then in Abu Dhabi on April 12, winning the Arabian Triple Crown R3 on So’Ud, trained by Majed Al Jahoori and owned by Yas Racing.
“I’m very happy with the season I had, especially since it was my first full campaign in the UAE”, De Sousa told. “It wasn’t easy, but I received a lot of support from trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri and the owners throughout the year. I was a bit hesitant to wave the Brazilian flag after winning the final race, especially since I rode in the silks of HH Sheikh Mansoor. But I did it in tribute to the many Brazilian friends working with horses here who may never get this kind of opportunity”, concluded.
Silvestre de Sousa and African Story, Dubai World Cup 2014 Champions. Photo Alamy |
Silvestre de Sousa and Dubai Future, Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup 2025 Champions. Photo DRC |
De Sousa began his career as Champion Apprentice at the Jockey Club of São Paulo before moving to to England, where he has lived for 25 years and established himself as one of the world’s leading jockeys.
“It was special to ride for Musabbeh and for Yas Racing, under Sheikh Mansoor. I never imagined I would contest a full season here—let alone win the title and take the Dubai Gold Cup. I ride to win, and I enjoy partnering good horses. Finishing the season with a win in Yas Racing’s silks was a perfect ending”, De Sousa said.
De Sousa made his UAE debut during the 2004/05 season and claimed his first local victory in 2012 with Songcraft, trained by Bin Suroor for Godolphin. His triumph with African Story in the 2014 Dubai World Cup remains a career highlight. In total, he now boasts 166 wins in the UAE.
Silvestre de Sousa and So’Ud - Arabian Triple Crown R3 |
Silvestre de Sousa and AA RX Burn |
For Musabbeh Al Mheiri, one of the country’s most seasoned trainers, the 2024–2025 season marked a return to the top, securing his second career title after first winning it in 2014/15 with 49 wins.
“It was great to have Silvestre riding many of my horses this season. He’s brilliant—a three-time British champion jockey”, said Al Mheiri. “Winning races these days is tough with so many talented trainers and quality horses across all stables. That’s why this championship means so much to me personally.”
Musabbeh Al Mheiri, meanwhile, secured his second trainers’ title, repeating his achievement from the 2014–15 season. Yas Racing, on the other hand, was crowned champion among the owners.
Final Standings
UAE Jockeys’ Championship 2024–25
| Rank | Jockey Wins / Runners
1 Silvestre De Sousa 54 / 332
2 Tadhg O’Shea 47 / 396
3 Connor Beasley 43 / 341
UAE Trainers’ Championship 2024–25
| Rank | Trainer Wins / Runners
1 Musabbeh Al Mheiri 40 / 266
2 Ersnt Oertel 38 / 374
3 Michael Costa 38 / 212
UAE Owners’ Championship 2024–25
| Rank | Owner Wins / Runners
1 Yas Racing 46 / 481
2 Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 38 / 214
3 Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda 31 / 336
by Cidinha Franzão. Photos ERA |
