Jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva

Everyone faces periods of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. During these times, when one feels isolated and misfortunes seem to come in waves, it can feel impossible to break the cycle. In such moments, “Riding For Freedom,” the insightful autobiography of renowned Canadian jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva, offers solace and inspiration. In this candid narrative, he reveals his struggles with spiritual demons, addiction, and personal setbacks. He shares the arduous, step-by-step journey of overcoming these challenges, shedding bad habits, reuniting with his family, enduring hardships, and ultimately reclaiming his mental stability. Despite the odds and circumstances, he emerged victorious, both on the racetrack and in his personal life.

Ascension

Seven-time Sovereign Award winner, Avelino Gomez Memorial Award winner, leading jockey at Woodbine Racetrack, was born on June 29, 1975, in the impoverished town of Buri, on the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil. From the age of five, after witnessing riders on horseback, he aspired to be one of them. His journey began riding donkeys on his uncle's farm, and as he matured, he progressed to quarter horses with a local trainer. His dedication led him to be accepted into the Brazilian Jockey Academy, where he honed his skills before competing domestically for five years. He then spent four years as a jockey in Macau, where he also experienced his first marriage.

In 2004, Henrique moved to Canada, secured a position at Woodbine Racetrack, and steadily pursued his ambition to become the nation's top jockey. That same year, he clinched victory in the Dance Smartly Stakes, a Grade 2 race. The following year marked a significant accomplishment with his win in the Ontario Fashion Stakes, a Grade 3 race. His victories continued to accumulate, with 2008 being pivotal as he began winning in the U.S. while his success in Canada doubled. Notably, Henrique won the Queen's Plate in 2009 and 2010, the last leg of Canada’s Triple Crown.

In 2019, Henrique de Silva announced his retirement, concluding his career with remarkable achievements, including 11,630 races and 2,286 wins. His total earnings reached $102,764,264, with an additional 1,914 second-place finishes and 1,567 thirds. Beyond racing, he demonstrated compassion for others, forming a friendship with a young boy with cerebral palsy and his family, who were avid fans. When he learned that a horse he rode was set to be euthanized by a trainer, he purchased the horse and ensured its retirement with LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, a charity he supported.

Henrique recalls each horse he rode with great affection, avoiding the notion of having a favourite. For him, every horse holds a special place, and he believes that the true success of a race lies in the profound connection between horse and jockey. This remarkable bond transforms them into a “centaur,” allowing them to unite in purpose and grace, an experience that can only be truly felt on the racetrack.

The Emotional Struggles of Jockeys

Jockeys often hesitate to discuss their emotional well-being, not out of a sense of shame, but due to fears of job security. They worry that trainers and horse owners might judge them if they reveal any signs of emotional instability, mood fluctuations, or unhealthy coping mechanisms, which could jeopardise their careers.

The constant pressure to monitor their weight frequently leads jockeys to face eating disorders. Additionally, the psychological scars from injuries can linger, instilling deep-seated fears of re-injury that may lead to prolonged depression. This emotional turmoil can hinder a jockey’s performance, creating a detrimental cycle.

Dr. Lewis King's dissertation from the University of Technology, Ireland, Shannon, highlights some alarming statistics: 61% of jockeys surveyed showed signs of alcohol dependence, 35% suffered from chronic depression, and 27% experienced heightened anxiety. In the racing world, showing weakness is frowned upon; jockeys must maintain a façade of composure, suppressing their fears and distress, which can erode their self-esteem. This burden is often felt in isolation, as few consider it their concern. Silva argues this mentality is detrimental, emphasising the importance of connection and support in breaking the cycle of emotional distress. He assists jockeys and professionals from various fields in overcoming their self-doubt, anxiety, and burnout, drawing on his own experiences of battling internal demons while achieving success on the race track.

Eurico Rosa da Silva: A Journey of Burnout and Renewal

Eurico Rosa da Silva grew up on a dairy farm alongside his siblings, enduring relentless pressure and ridicule from his father, who belittled him for his stature and instilled deep feelings of inadequacy that would haunt him throughout his life. At the age of 13, he left home, a decision he considers one of the best he ever made.

Despite outwardly appearing cheerful and approachable, Enrico was internally grappling with his emotions. His father's harsh words had stripped him of self-confidence, leaving him feeling unworthy of a fulfilling life, including the prospect of a family. Compounding his struggles, he developed a sexual addiction, using encounters with prostitutes as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. This was soon followed by a gambling addiction.

Although he achieved numerous victories on the racetrack, these successes brought him little joy; he constantly chased happiness through accolades, believing that winning a certain race, like the King's Plate, would fulfil him. However, the internal void remained; a haunting voice began to whisper dark thoughts, suggesting that his life was slipping away, filled with pain and despair.

Determined to live, rather than merely exist, Enrico sought help from a sports psychologist and later specialised in counselling for sexual addictions. It became clear that his desire to end his life stemmed from a wish to rid himself of his father's oppressive influence. Through the process, he transformed his painful childhood memories into uplifting ones, ultimately feeling liberated from his past.

Having divorced his first wife, Enrico found love again and is now the proud father of three children. Post-retirement, he became a certified coach and launched a website detailing his practice principles. He offers motivational sessions aimed at helping jockeys and individuals alike regain self-confidence, dispel harmful subconscious beliefs, and rediscover joy and the capacity for love in their lives, much like he did for himself.