Rider Silvestre de Sousa Breaks Down in Tears After Ex-Wife Charged with Assaulting Him Just One Day After Win
The world of horse racing, often filled with the thrill of victory and the roar of the crowd, was overshadowed by personal turmoil for champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa this week. The Brazilian-born rider, a three-time British champion, found himself at the center of an emotional storm when his ex-wife, Victoria de Sousa, was charged with assaulting him just one day before he secured a significant win at Yarmouth on July 28, 2025. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the racing community, has cast a shadow over de Sousa’s recent professional triumphs and left the jockey visibly distraught, reportedly breaking down in tears as the weight of the situation unfolded.
The alleged assault took place on July 27, 2025, and has since been brought before Cambridge Crown Court, where Victoria de Sousa, 39, faces serious charges of wounding the 44-year-old jockey with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The mother of three appeared in court on August 27, 2025, but the case was adjourned until September 12 after her counsel, Ella Ripper, noted that Victoria had yet to decide on a plea. The court heard that Victoria is currently on conditional bail, which includes wearing an electronic ankle tag—a condition that has reportedly caused her significant professional difficulties as a riding instructor. According to her counsel, the tag has made it challenging for her to wear the necessary riding boots, leading to a fall and an estimated loss of £5,000 a month in income. Despite her plea to have the tag removed, the request was denied by Judge Andrew Hurst, who expressed concern over the lack of clarity in her plea nearly a month after her initial appearance.
Silvestre de Sousa’s emotional response to the situation has been palpable. Sources close to the jockey describe a man grappling with the personal fallout of the alleged attack while continuing to compete at the highest level in his sport. The timing of the incident, just one day before his victory at Yarmouth, underscores the resilience de Sousa has shown throughout his career. Despite the personal challenges, he mounted his horse and rode to victory, a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the sport he has dominated for years. Yet, behind the scenes, those close to him say the emotional toll has been immense, with the jockey struggling to process the events that have unfolded.
De Sousa’s career is one marked by remarkable achievements and an unrelenting work ethic. Born in São Francisco do Maranhão, Brazil, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Britain’s most successful flat racing jockeys, claiming the champion title in 2015, 2017, and 2018. His journey has not been without challenges, including a 10-month suspension in 2023 by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for facilitating a betting breach, and a more recent 24-day whip ban in September 2024 for breaching whip rules. Despite these setbacks, de Sousa has continued to excel, with notable victories this year, including the 1,000 Guineas on Elmalka and the Queen Anne Stakes on Charyn, both under trainer Roger Varian. His win at Yarmouth, coming just a day after the alleged assault, further highlights his ability to compartmentalize personal struggles and perform under pressure.
The racing community has rallied around de Sousa, with many expressing sympathy for the jockey’s plight. His peers admire his tenacity, noting that his ability to continue racing at such a high level amidst personal turmoil is a reflection of his character. However, the ongoing legal proceedings involving his ex-wife are likely to keep the spotlight on his personal life for the foreseeable future. Victoria’s case has drawn attention not only for its severity but also for the complexities it introduces into de Sousa’s already demanding career. The adjournment to September 12 means that the jockey will have to navigate the emotional and legal ramifications of the case while preparing for upcoming races, including potential appearances at major events like the Cambridgeshire meeting.
As the story continues to develop, the racing world watches with bated breath, hoping for resolution and healing for all involved. For Silvestre de Sousa, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, both on and off the track. Yet, his history of overcoming adversity suggests that he will continue to ride with the same determination that has made him a champion, even as he navigates the pain of this deeply personal ordeal.
