Can you imagine being away from something you love for years, only to have the chance to return and relive those glorious moments? That's the feeling Joao Moreira, a celebrated jockey, is experiencing as he prepares to return to Happy Valley for the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC). He's been away for over three years, and the excitement is palpable!
Moreira's journey back to Hong Kong racing has been a winding one. After hoping to rejoin as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey, he found himself without a spot on the packed riding roster. But now, he's back in the IJC, a competition he last participated in back in 2021.
Winning the IJC in 2012 was a pivotal moment for Moreira, as he admits he wasn't sure if he'd ever be invited back after leaving Hong Kong racing in 2022 for a global farewell tour. "Can you believe it’s been four years?" he exclaimed, anticipating the return to Happy Valley. He fondly remembers the over 1,200 Hong Kong winners and four premierships he secured in the city.
"The IJC is where it all began in Hong Kong for me," Moreira reflects, recalling his victory in 2012 that caught the attention of many. He's incredibly grateful for what Hong Kong racing has done for him, having spent eight and a half years there, which "showed me to the rest of the world."
Now, a 'gun for hire' since leaving Hong Kong, Moreira continues to make a significant impact. He believes his rides on Wednesday night, including Super Sixty, trained by Fownes, position him well for another IJC win.
"Unfortunately my best is behind me, but I’m still having so much fun, and the results I’ve been getting lately have still been great – I’m very happy with them," he shares. He's up against a formidable line-up of jockeys, making his invitation a true honor. He adds, "I’ve got one of the favorites in the first leg and I’m glad to be in the game. Hopefully we can get a good result."
But here's where it gets controversial... Moreira has left the door open for a longer stay in Hong Kong, but it's not entirely up to him. He's optimistic, stating, "There is a chance but it doesn’t depend only on us – it depends on the club as well. But I am looking forward and hopefully we can come back soon."
Another jockey returning to the IJC after a break is Christophe Lemaire, a Japan-based Frenchman who won the competition in 2009 and last participated in 2018. Lemaire is hoping for a strong start, expressing confidence in his chances aboard Honest Witness and Take Action. He emphasizes the importance of consistency throughout the four races.
"In the horse racing calendar, the IJC is a really important date and I’m glad to be here once again," Lemaire said. He recognizes that luck and the right trip are crucial at Happy Valley, but consistency is key to becoming champion.
And this is the part most people miss... The odds are set: Moreira is the favorite at $6.5, while Lemaire is among the outsiders at $18. Other contenders include Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman at $7, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu at $8.5, and William Buick, James McDonald, and Ryan Moore at $9. Reigning champion Mickael Barzalona is at $10 to repeat his win.
In other news, the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) has been reduced to just eight runners after Japanese raider Lord Del Rey withdrew due to lameness.
What do you think? Will Moreira's experience and skill lead him to victory? Do you agree that the IJC is a highlight in the horse racing calendar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
