Silvestre strikes with 28/1 Elmalka in QIPCO 1000 Guineas

Back on British shores and back winning big prizes, Silvestre De Sousa landed his first Classic victory aboard 28/1 shot Elmalka in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas. It marks a first win in the race for both jockey and trainer, Roger Varian.

Having got away slowly, Elmalka was at the back of the field and her hopes looked to be fading, but with the front runners starting to fall away, De Sousa made up some ground to stay in contention. Front-running Star Style kept a strong pace and it was Ramatuelle, trained by Christopher Head in France, who picked up the mantle and cruised clear, only to be denied be Portuna Fortuna and the fast finishing Elmalka on the line.

A persistent Silvestre De Sousa, who recently returned from a spell in Hong Kong, was took the spoils to win by a head to Porta Fortuna, with Tamfana (33/1) in fourth and the strong fancied Ylang Ylang running into a close fifth.

It’s a dream come true

“It’s a dream come true,” De Sousa told ITV Racing. “It’s brilliant for Roger to give me the opportunity and I’m delighted for the yard and the whole team. She’s tough and she’s learning and improving. She’s very easy to ride. She switches off. I was always behind the bridle so when she goes up in trip it shouldn’t be a problem.”

It was also a first Guineas for Varian, who said: “You never come into these races expecting to win. I wouldn’t have ran her if I didn’t think she’d run very well. I’m absolutely delighted and I’m thrilled for his Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum as he’s supported me from day one and supported Michael Jarvis before me. 

“I’m so thrilled to deliver him a Classic winner with this homebred filly out of Nahrain who was our first Group 1 winner back in 2011, so it’s very special. I’ve got to thank the team who have done a great job with her and it was a great ride from Silvestre.”

Elmalka holds an entry in the Coronation Stakes.