Joao Moreira is a four-time Hong Kong champion jockey, courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Brazilian champion jockey Joao Moreira will make a sentimental return to the venue and event that launched him to global fame when he competed in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) in Happy Valley on December 10.
Moreira was based in Singapore when she competed in the 2012 edition of the championship, when the title was still up for grabs as she entered the final stage of the four-race competition, with Britain’s Ryan Moore and local champion Zac Purton among those still in contention.
Purton had the best chance in the final leg, with the favorite Chancellor, and looked the winner beyond 200 metres, until Moreira’s horse, Noble Deluxe, seemingly came out of nowhere to win both the race and his jockey the title.
“I thought it was over – I’m stunned and completely gutted,” said Purton as the photo finish confirmed the result.
After short stints riding in Hong Kong in 2010 and 2012, Moreira moved permanently in 2013, where he quickly became a four-time Hong Kong Champion jockey – 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2020/21 – and was known for his associations with stars of the grass Able Friend, Designs On Rome, Waikuku, Beat The Clock, Sky Darci among others and Hot King Prawn.
Moreira, who left the Hong Kong ranks at the end of 2022, hopes to add another LONGINES IJC title to his long list of achievements, which includes Singapore’s champion jockey crowns in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
He said he was thrilled to return for another crack at the IJC and reflected on how his success at the 2012 event cemented his reputation as the “Magic Man” as his legend grew at the Happy Valley and Sha Tin circuits.
“That was the beginning and I ended up going to Hong Kong just because I could perform in that jockey challenge,” Moreira said. “It was 2012… and it definitely brings back those good memories.”
The caliber of jockeys in the LONGINES IJC is world class, but Moreira singled out the two female riders in the field for special praise.
“Rachel King is doing fantastic in Australia, and Hollie Doyle is flying in Britain,” the 42-year-old said. “They ensure that the standard is very high and it is fantastic to be involved.”
Moreira said the invitation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club felt like recognition of his many years of dedication.
Looking ahead to the competition format, he said the random allocation of horses made it fairer for all jockeys, including James McDonald (New Zealand), Ryan Moore and William Buick (Great Britain), Christophe Lemaire (Japan), Umberto Rispoli (USA), Zac Purton (Hong Kong, China) and last year’s winner Mickael Barzalona (France).
“Hopefully I get a little bit of luck from the draw because that’s all you need,” he said. “And you have to make sure you bring your A-game or you’ll go home winless. It’s a tough competition.
“They are going to make it difficult for me too, but with respect.”
The world traveler said he had not traveled as much this year as last, but had enjoyed stints in Japan, England, Hong Kong, South America and Australia, where he competed in the G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) aboard Land Legend.
“I did what I set out to do when I left Hong Kong,” he added. “So far so good.”
Moreira returned to ride in his native Brazil after completing his riding commitments in Sydney, Australia for leading trainer Chris Waller on November 8.
“I rode for about six months at home in Brazil and four to five months abroad, and I give myself a month (off) every year,” he added.
Moreira said his plan for 2026 was to continue traveling the world.
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