“Magic Man” Returns to Hong Kong, Eyeing Second International Jockeys’ Championship Title

João Moreira is set to return to Happy Valley on December 9 to contest the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), aiming to capture his second title following his first triumph in 2012.

Now 43, Moreira is a four time Hong Kong Champion Jockey with over 1,200 career wins in the city. During his return last season as stable jockey for Caspar Fownes, he rode 32 winners, playing an instrumental role in helping Fownes secure his fifth Champion Trainer title.

Moreira is famously prolific at the city circuit. Last season at Happy Valley, he recorded 21 victories from 89 mounts an impressive 23.6% strike rate which included a four timer and two hat tricks in a single meeting.

Before heading to Hong Kong for his 11th appearance in the IJC, Moreira will complete a short riding stint in Japan. He admitted that his 2012 victory in the challenge, achieved while he was still based in Singapore, served as a crucial launchpad for his stellar Hong Kong career.

Chasing the title again after a 14 year gap, all eyes will be on whether the “Magic Man” can leverage his mastery of the Happy Valley turf to triumph once more on the international stage.