Between the Dirt, the Tears, and the Glory: The Coronation of Ricardo Sousa

The Portuguese jockey moved the racing world by achieving the greatest victory of his career aboard

Al Haram, Ricardo Sousa, and all the joy of the local colt's team / JCSA

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Turf Diario Special Correspondent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).– In a sunset that will be engraved in gold letters in the history books of international turf, this city surrendered to the whip and the heart of a rider who, against all odds, has climbed the highest mountain. Ricardo Sousa Ferreira, the Portuguese jockey who defied the destiny of being born in a land marginal to horse racing, reached peak glory by guiding Al Haram (Iffraaj) to a memorable victory in the Saudi Derby (G3), consolidating himself as one of the most respected figures on the Asian circuit.

The scene after crossing the wire was that of a man broken by gratitude. Amidst the suspended dust of the track and the intensity of the moment, Ricardo Sousa's tears spoke louder than a thousand words. "It was the emotion of my life. Between the sand in my eyes and being a bit moved. Things were complicated, but well. Of course, I am very emotional because it takes so much work to reach these races. Besides doing things right and giving yourself to the profession, you have to be lucky, and that’s how I feel about everything," confessed the 33-year-old jockey, his chest still heaving from the effort.

For Ricardo Sousa, winning in Riyadh is not just a matter of trophies; it is the validation of a personal gamble that changed his career forever. In a profound conversation, the professional analyzed what this present moment means: "A jockey needs to find a horse like this. I believe Al Haram has something special; it’s a race apart, a G3 with a lot of credibility and very important. Plus, it gives 30 points for the Kentucky Derby."

When asked about the impact of his decision to settle in Saudi Arabia, he did not hesitate to point to it as the necessary turning point: "How much did coming to race here change my life? It taught me; it opened everything for me. It was the best thing I ever did. Besides, it’s a turf and a country that is improving tremendously year after year. I believe great things are going to happen here, as the best race in the world, the richest in the world, let's say, already happens here. But I did the right thing because I needed to try things abroad. And it suited me well because I have no problems with anyone. Everyone wants to help me; all the trainers always give me a good opportunity. Many call me when they see they have a chance. And that helps you become a better jockey," explains the man who was a leader in Spain.

Being born in Portugal, a country where racing is a marginal and almost invisible activity, adds a layer of heroism to Ricardo's figure. He knows it and wears it like a banner: "That is my greatest pride. A small country with a great fan base, great professionals, trainers, jockeys, with some triumphs and many wins outside of Portugal, in Spain, France, training from Portugal. Since I was little, I have always dreamed that one day things in Portugal and the betting laws could be approved because the truth is it’s very important. I am very emotional because it is my country."

The race was an exercise in patience and strategic reading. While Joel Rosario with Oblitaration (Violence) and the Japanese Satono Voyage (Into Mischief) burned their fuel at the front, Ricardo Sousa remained calm aboard Al Haram, waiting for the exact moment to unleash his mount's fury.

"We didn't change anything in his style. Always watching. They ran fast, and that suits him because he has a good finish. We tried not to modify the strategy, to ride for the horse wherever the horse went, and from the 800m mark, I started looking for his stride, because I felt throughout the race that at the 400m I was going to have horse, and so he did," he recounted with the precision of one who knows every heartbeat of his mount.

Ricardo Sousa knows he is in his prime, but he keeps his feet on the ground. Although the world is now watching him, his roadmap remains methodical. "Monday I’m going home to Portugal and I’ll move around there for a bit. I have things in mind, I can't reveal them, but well, while I'm in my country, I’ll be riding in Spain, through France, as always. But I do want to try, but I always want to go with something secure and not just go... I’m already 33, I’m a bit late, but I want to do it the best I can."

It is never too late for someone with the talent and determination of Ricardo Sousa. The Saudi Derby is already his, and the world of turf knows that, no matter where he comes from, there is a Portuguese rider who knows how to win on the most demanding stages on the planet.