Silvestre De Sousa will have a golden opportunity to return to the winner's circle at Royal Ascot after four years when he partners with Charyn in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday. The Brazilian jockey, a three-time champion in Britain between 2015 and 2018, has notched seven wins at the prestigious meeting. His first victory came in 2011 with Namibian in the Queen's Vase, and his most recent win was with Art Power in the 2020 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap.
After spending 17 years on the UK circuit, De Sousa moved to Hong Kong in late 2022. However, his time there was cut short after receiving a 10-month suspension for breaking betting rules. He returned to Britain earlier this year and has enjoyed success with Charyn, winning races like the Doncaster Mile and bet365 Mile. He also claimed his first British Classic win on Elmalka in the 1000 Guineas.
While James Doyle will ride Elmalka in the Coronation Stakes on Friday, De Sousa will be on board Charyn in the Queen Anne Stakes. Charyn, who finished second in the Lockinge at Newbury, has been in good form and De Sousa is optimistic about their chances at Royal Ascot.
"I’m delighted connections have let me keep the ride, and it’s a nice place to be – Ascot on the big stage," said De Sousa. "The horse is in great form, and I’m looking for a big day. Royal Ascot is a hard place to go with a horse with a chance, when you have a ride there with a chance it makes all the difference. He’s very well in himself and has won a Group race already this year. Our target is to win a Group One with him."