Africa-Press – Cape verde. Odílio Rodrigues, 33 years old, is a young man from Santo Antão who, on the island of Fogo, has been experiencing equestrianism intensely as a jockey for 14 years. This year he was champion at the São Filipe 2023 festivities, a title he won with the horse “Volcão”. He argues that more should be invested in equestrianism on an island where the sport is experienced with great passion.
In an interview with A NAÇÃO, Odílio Rodrigues said that he always had a great passion for equestrianism and an equally immeasurable admiration for horses. He started riding when he was eight and today, aged 33, he won one of the most disputed races at national level, the São Filipe race, on the island of the volcano, which takes place every year on the 1st of May.
“I feel very satisfied with the title. It was a good period of preparation, a lot of work, which is now paying off. More than taking care of Vulcão, I needed to have a connection with him and I felt that we achieved that”, said the young man right after the race to A NAÇÃO.
For this jockey, cherished by those present, the expectation before the race was great as everyone was preparing for the big day, with their eyes set on victory, in front of an audience that lives equestrianism with redoubled passion.
“Racing may not only be at parties. For example, there could be other small competitions throughout the year and that, as far as we know, is perfectly feasible, because here in Fogo, equestrianism is experienced with more intensity than football itself”, says Odílio, for whom equestrianism was in its case a second option for not having studied.
In his point of view, the small races that could be held during the year would serve to improve the conditions of the São Filipe racecourse and make better use of the space.
“I know that people would pay 100 or 50 escudos to watch races and this money would be used to improve the racecourse or even encourage the owners in some way. This space needs to have better conditions and take better advantage of it. It is up to the authorities to invest in this”, explains the athlete who wants to be in international competitions.
But, you know that for that, you still have a long way to go. In his point of view, in the list of possible measures, jockeys need to have a working association to defend their interests, namely training to open new horizons, opportunities to compete inside and outside the country.
Odílio Rodrigues, jockey for the horse “Vulcão”, winner of the Nhô São Filipe 2023 race title, believes that if the conditions are created, equestrianism can be professionalized in Cape Verde, bringing greater income especially in Fogo, where people live this modality with much fervor, from children to adults. “Horse racing in Fogo is unique in Cape Verde”, he assures.
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