Three-time champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa takes his first Classic with Elmalka 28-1 in the 1,000 Guineas just weeks after returning from a 10-month betting ban.

The resurrection of Silvestre De Sousa’s career was completed when the 43-year-old claimed his first Classic by winning the 1,000 Guineas with a 28-1 Elmalka goal.

The three-time champion jockey did not compete again until March after a 10-month suspension for violating Hong Kong’s strict anti-betting rules.

The last-to-first victory over Elmalka, trained by Roger Varian, who was only racing for the third time, had a touch of fortune for De Sousa.

James Doyle was in the saddle when the filly came third in the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury last month, but her number one contract with Wathnan Racing meant she was in France on Sunday.

Brazilian De Sousa said: “I’ve been trying to win a Clásico for so long, it’s an incredible feeling to do it.” I’m picking up the leftover attractions and working hard behind the scenes.

‘I just want to get my chance back. I love British racing. It’s my home. It’s where I started and where I want to end up one day.’

Elmalka lost control in the early stages but made up ground in the final furlong when he recovered from eventual third Ramatuelle, who paid the price for coming to the front too early with Aurelien Lemaitre.

Notable Speech, a 16-1 shot, beat Rosallion by a convincing length and a half on Saturday to claim the 2,000 Guineas.

Troy’s favorite city flopped and finished ninth.