(PHOTO - MISS PURE D SMITH, the 'big horse' and Norman DeSouza in 2004 winning at Picov Downs. Norm has hundreds of photos of his favourite horses on his Facebook page)
On three occasions on Sunday, July 3 during the Ajax Downs afternoon of racing, the chant of Norm DeSouuuuuza was called out by track announcer Frank Ferrari and racing fans, a tradition every time the popular jockey rides a winner. With three wins on this particular racing day, DeSouza has zoomed up the leading rider's list for 2016.
Norman Lloyd DeSouza, son of Thoroughbred trainer Norm DeSouza, has been riding Quarter Horses for 16 years. He is one of Ajax Downs’ leading riders and his infectious smile and big personality make him a fan favourite.
And like a true horseman, DeSouza can rattle off horse names and their racing records from decades ago. One mare in particular set DeSouza’s career in motion, Miss Pure D Smith, a dominant runner at Picov Downs in 2003 and 2004 when she won six races, including five straight with DeSouza on her back.
An Arkansas-bred, Miss Pure D Smith came to Ontario from Oklahoma in 2001 to the care of trainer Joe Tavares. She then raced in 2002 for Jacqueline Major and trainer Jeff Kellar and it was Kellar who put DeSouza on Miss Pure D Smith.
“Jeff helped me a lot early in my career,” said DeSouza. “He helped me become mentally focussed on being a rider, he was my mentor. He never gave up on me.”
Kellar and Miss Pure D Smith and DeSouza were a tough team when the sorrel speedster bossed around her rivals during 2004 at the Picov Downs J track. She completed that season with a solid fifth place finish in the Alex Picov Memorial.
Miss Pure D Smith would race at Remington Park in Oklahoma in 2005, travel to Texas and make a few stops in Ontario before she finished her racing career in 2007 with 11 career wins.
“She was all business,” said DeSouza. “But she was the sweetest horse. I learned a lot from her and Jeff, they made me the man in the business I am today.”
In DeSouza's house is a large, frame with five photos of the various wins he had the speedy mare.
DeSouza, who also credits George Egerton for starting his Quarter Horse career, has current favourites these days while the main rider for Heste Sport, Inc. and trainer Darlene Ballis-Hunderup. “I love Charted by DM and I’m Pretty Fames, they are my big horses right now.”
PHOTO BELOW - MISS PURE D SMITH and DeSouza spent a lot of time in the winner's circle with trainer Jeff Kellar)
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