With the Flat season over a month old, it might have escaped the attention of some that the Stobart-sponsored race to be champion jockey actually gets under way this weekend at Newmarket. With the Flat season over a month old, it might have escaped the attention of some that the Stobart-sponsored race to be champion jockey actually gets under way this weekend at Newmarket.Defending champion Silvestre de Sousa is as short as even-money favourite with a couple of bookmakers to retain his crown - but the Brazilian insists he will not be chasing it, believing that if he happens to be in a healthy position later in the season, it will come to him, as it did last year. But whatever happens, having been crowned once, it is something that can never be taken away.I dont think Ive got a point to prove - if it happens again it will happen, Im not going to go chasing it, De Sousa said.I wasnt really chasing it last year. It wasnt until halfway through the season that I realised I stood a chance. You cant say this early you are going to go for it, my main aim at the minute is to stay injury free all season. Ill just see how the first few weeks go and take it from there. The season is shorter now so that might change things, you might get people who wouldnt usually be interested giving it a real go.De Sousa rode nearly 40 more winners than his nearest pursuer last year, but only four of his 132 successes came in Group company and two of those were on the same horse, David Elsworths Arabian Queen.She caused one of the shocks of the season when beating Horse of the Year Golden Horn in the Juddmonte International at York.My main aim for the season is to pick up a few Group winners along the way, said De Sousa.The highlight last year was Arabian Queen, without a doubt. The Juddmonte is such a high-profile race and even if Golden Horn wasnt in it, there were still horses like The Grey Gatsby in there. To beat Golden Horn, who had already won a Derby and Eclipse and then went on to win an Arc, was a huge thrill.I dont think she has anything to prove, shes a very nice filly and definitely deserves another year, she was only three last year. David thinks shell be at her best over 10 furlongs or a mile and a half. Her dam (Barshiba) was very good and shes by Dubawi and his just get better with age.Other than her, Ill just be picking up bits and pieces along the way, Ive no outstanding horses to look forward to.It is well known that a weighing room is not a place to be big headed - you would soon be brought back down to earth with a bump - but De Sousa certainly does not strike as someone who would let success alter him.Ive not noticed a difference with the way the lads treat me in the weighing room and I wouldnt expect them to, they certainly wouldnt let it go to my head, he says.If anything, Im finding it harder than ever to pick up the rides, Im certainly not getting special treatment. Having been away in the winter, Im having to build up all my contacts again.Its so competitive out there, but having had a retainer and been freelance, I can say its easier with a retainer - you have a commitment and you are guaranteed rides. As a freelance you are left picking up the pieces.I have a commitment to Mick Channon and hes started the season in flying form, which is nice. After that, I just get whats left, being champion certainly isnt getting me more rides.Its nice to be champion, dont get me wrong, but it certainly hasnt changed anything - I still have to get up early in the morning and go to work. When I first came over to Europe from Brazil, I hadnt even dreamt about being champion, my first aim was just to get a few rides.When I then moved from Ireland to the north of England things began to pick up. I had a good relationship with David OMeara before he was the David OMeara we know he is today. I had two very good seasons with him.I then had a lot of support from Mark Johnston and I think hes been the biggest influence on my career. Despite having a lot of other jockeys to use, including the Godolphin boys, he still uses me when he can.It may not feel like spring given the snow this week, but the first Classics of the season really signal the beginning of the Flat campaign in earnest and although De Sousa is without a mount in the Qipco 2000 Guineas, he feels his ride in the fillies equivalent, William Knights Robanne, is not without each-way claims.I ride Robanne and shes not without a chance, said De Sousa.She ran really well in the Nell Gwyn and shes entitled to improve a lot for that, not much went right for her but she flew home. I think she deserves her place in the field, a mile should suit and Id be disappointed if she doesnt go close. Also See: Live results service Full racecards Get Sky Sports . “The shootout, theres nothing wrong with it, I think its an exciting part of the game but its just one small aspect,” said Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. “Its a skill exhibition. If you can get it back closer to regular hockey and have it decided that way; that would be my preference.” “I dont think its a knock on the shootout, I think more of the managers would like to see it end in overtime,” added Washington Capitals GM George McPhee. .com) - The Utah Jazz look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when the Denver Nuggets visit Salt Lake City Monday night.
http://www.airmaxsuisse.ch/. With Van Osch out with a flu bug that has been rampaging through the tournament, Knezevic stepped in to lead B.C. (4-3) to a pair of victories on Tuesday before 1,131 at the Maurice Richard Arena. . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (5) – He had good saves on Giroux, Akeson, and Hartnell tonight. . Thats when the eight-time champion revealed that a painful back is slowing his serves -- and, all in all, giving him more trouble than his opponents so far.HOUSTON - Fernando Verdasco won the U.S. Mens Clay Court Championship on Sunday for his sixth ATP World Tour title and first since 2010, beating Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-6 (4). The 30-year-old Verdasco ended a six-match losing streak in tournament finals. He also reached the doubles final and had been on the court six hours longer than Almagro going into the final. "Im so tired I dont know if I can talk so much," said Verdasco, seeded fourth. Almagro had a walkover in the semifinals when Sam Querrey pulled out because of back injury. The tthird-seeded Almagro reached set point five times against Verdascos serve in the ninth game of second set, but could not convert.ddddddddddddHe also up a mini-break in the tiebreaker before Verdasco fought back. Almagro also finished second last year, losing to John Isner. Almagro has won all 12 of his titles on clay. "You are never happy when you lose a final," Almagro said. "I had my chances. But I credit Fernando." On Saturday in the doubles final, twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan beat Verdasco and David Marrero 4-6, 6-4, 11-9. ' ' '
