Former champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa will be back in the saddle on Wednesday when he rides the Richard Hannon-trained Always Fearless (Ire) (Camacho {GB}) for his retained owner King Power Racing in a Lingfield handicap. De Sousa hasn't been seen on raceday for three months-a planned shoulder operation in December was delayed after the Brazilian contracted Covid-19.
“I'm really looking forward to getting back at it–it's been a while,” De Sousa said. “At the time I was supposed to have my operation I caught Covid, and by the time I was better, they then couldn't do it for a few more weeks. Basically I missed my whole winter, so it was frustrating. I was planning to rehab and then go to Hong Kong and Dubai before the season starts here.
“On the other side I've spent a lot more time with my family than I would usually, so that has been nice. It's been different, but good to spend the winter at home for a change. I can build myself back up to full fitness before the season really begins. Last season I was in a bit of pain most days–now I should be back to normal.”
De Sousa said King Power's 4-year-old Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is among the horses he is looking forward to this season. The grey won the Palace Of Holyroodhouse H. at Royal Ascot and the G3 Lacken S. last summer before finishing fourth in both the G1 Sprint Cup and G1 British Champions Sprint S.
“When you look at the races he ran last year when he was just a 3-year-old, being beaten just a length on Champions Day, you'd have to think he can improve again,” De Sousa said.
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