I was a jockey with £80m winnings but lost control with sex addiction – now I’m a happily married motivational speaker
A TOP jockey who won £80million on the track saw his career spiral out of control thanks to a sex addiction.
Now after turning his life around, he's a happily married motivational speaker who's helping others to fight their demons.
Although he won't be familiar to many British racing fans, Eurico Rosa Da Silva is racing royalty in Canada.
He was crowned champion jockey seven times on that side of the Atlantic, winning it four times in a row from 2015 until his retirement in 2019.
His career was far from straightforward, however, and badly affected by a sex addiction.
Da Silva said there were "two versions of him" during his hugely successful career on the track - one with a million-dollar smile, and one with a secret life of shame.
"I loved married life and I have always strived to be a civil person, but my addiction has cost me a great deal. Especially money.
"Whenever things weren’t going well for me I just went to a hooker. It was like punishment for myself.
"It was my weakness and even back then I could see that it was disgusting. And for years I just hated myself."
After marrying his second wife Orlaith in 2016, he believes the issue was put behind him, and that can be backed up by the results on the track.
Already crowned champion jockey in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016, he went on to win it three more times in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Queen's Plate is one of Canada's Triple Crown and he won it twice, receiving the trophy from Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
Much like Royal Ascot, she arrived in horse and carriage,and it would turn out to be her fourth and final visit to the race.
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"It was very therapeutic because I realised even more how much damage I'd suffered."