Moreira back where his legend began at LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship

By Daryl Timms

Champion Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira will make a sentimental return to the venue and event which catapulted him to worldwide acclaim when he rides in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on 10 December.

Moreira was Singapore-based when competing in the 2012 edition of the championship, when the title was still up for grabs going into the last leg of the four-race competition with Great Britain’s Ryan Moore and local champion Zac Purton among those still in contention.

Purton had the strongest chance in the last leg, riding the favourite, Chancellor, and looked the winner passing the 200m mark until Moreira’s mount, Noble Deluxe, seemingly came from nowhere to win both the race and his jockey the title.

“I thought it was over – I’m stunned, absolutely gutted,” said Purton at the time when the photo finish confirmed the result.

After short riding stints in Hong Kong in 2010 and 2012, Moreira relocated 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 renowned for associations with stars of the turf Able Friend, Designs On Rome, Waikuku, Beat The Clock, Sky Darci and Hot King Prawn, among others.

Moreira, who departed Hong Kong’s riding ranks at the end of 2022, hopes to add another LONGINES IJC title to his long list of achievements, which includes Singapore 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 in the event in 2012 enhanced his reputation as the “Magic Man” when his legend grew on the Happy Valley and Sha Tin tracks.

“That was the start of it and I ended up going to Hong Kong just because I was able to perform in that jockey challenge,” Moreira said. “It was 2012 … and it definitely brings back those good memories.”

The calibre 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 the UK,” the 42-year-old said. “They are making sure the level is very high, and it’s fantastic to be involved.”

Moreira said the invitation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club felt like recognition of his years of dedication.

Looking ahead to the competition format, he said the random allocation of horses made it fairer for all the 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 a bit of the luck of the draw will come to me because that’s all you need,’’ he said. “And you have to make sure you bring your A-game, otherwise you’ll be going home winless. It’s a tough competition.

“They are going to make it tough for me as well, but with respect.”

The globe-trotting rider said he hadn’t travelled 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 have done what I planned to do when I left Hong Kong,” he added. “So far it’s been good.”

Moreira returned to ride in his native Brazil after completing his riding commitments in Sydney, Australia for leading trainer Chris Waller on 8 November.

“I have spent about six months at home riding in Brazil and four to five months away, and I’m giving myself a month (off) every year,” he added.

Moreira said his plan for 2026 was to continue travelling the world.