Ricardo Sousa, the 28-year-old rider from Portugal and two-time Spanish champion jockey, has started his stint in Saudi Arabia with a bang thanks to 18 winners in his first two months.
He has already won three local qualifying races for Saudi Cup night, with Cold Front guaranteed a spot in the $1.5m 1351 Turf Sprint presented by stc, Rock Sound a place in the $1.5m Riyadh Dirt Sprint presented by Saudia and Flying Visit in the Neom Turf Cup presented by Jahez.
In addition, Sousa will renew his successful partnership with Spanish St Leger winner Domi Go in Friday’s $500k Saudi International Handicap presented by Al Rajhi Bank.
Commenting on his successful start in Saudi, Sousa said: “I’ve been very happy with the first two months – I came to Saudi to improve and learn more as a jockey, and I feel I’m doing that.
“The results have been good, better than I expected. That is down to the opportunities I’ve been given to work with so many great horses and trainers.
“It’s been a very good experience for me, I’m very happy to be here and I would like to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me, and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.”
The prospect of riding on Saudi Cup night is clearly hugely exciting for the 28-year-old. He said: “It’s definitely one of the highlights of my career – it’s a very big opportunity to develop my skills.
“Cold Front was very impressive last time, he showed a great attitude. We know there will be some excellent horses there, but I believe in his talent and attitude, and we will give it our best.
“Rock Sound is in excellent shape and even though the race didn’t go too well last time, he still managed to win. He has a lot of quality and he has shown he is better at 1200m than 1400m. I think he has a good chance.
“Flying Visit made an excellent debut in Saudi and then last time in the qualifying race he was in even better shape. He showed a great attitude and I think he’s a horse with lots of potential and quality. We will try our best to win, but we understand it’s a very competitive race.”
Sousa has been riding in Spain for eight years and he is looking forward to getting back on board Domi Go in The Saudi International Handicap presented by Al Rajhi Bank on the Friday.
Trained by Roman Martin-Vidania, the four-year-old son of Ivawood is unbeaten in five starts with Sousa on his back.
He said: “It would obviously be very important for the history of the sport in Spain – if you win in other countries with horses like Domi Go, it’s massive for the country.
“I’ve enjoyed my time riding in Spain, things have gone well and the industry is improving and progressing day-by-day.
“Domi Go is a very good horse and we are looking for our sixth win together. We already know some of the competitors, they are very strong, but we are focused on the race and we will be trying our hardest to win.”
At the moment, Sousa is due to return to Spain at the end of March, but he certainly isn’t ruling out a return to Saudi.
He said: “I’m planning to return to Spain at the end of the season, but maybe we can talk about a return. It would be a great option to ride in both countries. King Abdulaziz is a fantastic racecourse with incredible conditions and atmosphere.”
As with many in his home country of Portugal, he loves football, but it’s his other hobby that he’s missing more in Saudi Arabia.
Sousa said: “I love fishing, I’m a good fisherman, there just aren’t many chances to do it in Saudi. Maybe I’ll have to take up some Saudi sports!”