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The latest in world horse racing news from the journalists at Idol Horse.
Four-time champion jockey Joao Moreira has confirmed he wants to return to Hong Kong on a short-term licence as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey. If the Hong Kong Jockey Club approves, racing fans could witness the revival of his legendary rivalry with Zac Purton. On this episode of Newsdesk, Michael Cox and David Morgan break down whether this is a cameo or a comeback, the politics of the Jockey Club, Moreira’s new stem cell treatment, and how his presence could shake up the riding ranks ahead of the Hong Kong International Races.
Michael Cox (00:01)
For the Idol Horse Podcast Network, I’m Michael Cox. On the last few editions of Newsdesk, we’ve complained about the lack of a challenger to jockey Zac Purton. Well, soon enough, we may get our wish, and Zac might not have it all his own way. His great rival, Joao Moreira, is set to return as retained rider for trainer Caspar Fownes on a two-month stint from late October. Fownes says it’s a done deal, and Moreira confirmed to Idol Horse today that he wants to come back.
But will the Jockey Club have him? Purton v Moreira — the rivalry could be back. Joining me next to discuss is Idol Horse Chief Journalist, David Morgan. It’s September 17.
Michael Cox (00:47)
When Caspar Fownes told Idol Horse on Monday that he would be applying for Joao Moreira to be joining his stable as retained rider for a two-month stint from late October, he added that he hoped that Moreira could stay longer. Joining us now is Chief Journalist David Morgan. You’ve spoken to Moreira for a follow-up story today. What about this thought from Caspar — is this going to be a cameo or a comeback for Joao Moreira?
David Morgan (01:10)
From what Joao Moreira said to me today, it’s a cameo. He’s got other commitments. He has a retainer with a big owner in Brazil, Haras Rio Iguassu, who he has ridden Group 1 winners for. He told me he’s free after October 18, once he rides in a major race in Brazil, and then has about 60 days available to ride in Hong Kong for Caspar Fownes. So it doesn’t look like there’s an opportunity to extend beyond that — 60 days is the maximum.
Of course, this is all pending approval from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Michael Cox (02:15)
Why not come back as a club jockey like everyone else?
David Morgan (02:31)
Well, club officials have indicated they don’t want Moreira entering as a club jockey right now because they’ve already lined up other riders for this period. Bringing Moreira in now as a club jockey would overshadow those newcomers. But as a stable jockey for Caspar Fownes, it works. Historically, Hong Kong racing used to rely more on retained riders, though that model faded in the 2000s.
Michael Cox (04:20)
So will Moreira be licensed? There’s a lot of innuendo in local media about whether he’s on the nose with Jockey Club officials.
David Morgan (04:36)
I think he’ll be licensed. He’s too big a name, and his presence boosts turnover. Any supposed “ban” is more gossip than fact. Yes, he upset officials in 2018 when he quit to take the JRA exam, but that’s long past. From the officials I’ve spoken to, there’s no reason he won’t be approved.
Michael Cox (08:23)
When Moreira left in 2022, he was in pain and talked like his career was nearly over. How has he come back better than ever?
David Morgan (08:40)
It’s his new stem cell treatment. He used to rely on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which gave temporary relief, but that wore off. Now he’s had stem cell therapy, and he says he feels better than at any time in the last three years. Combine that with a lighter workload outside Hong Kong — less trackwork and fewer barrier trials — and he’s physically stronger than before.
Michael Cox (12:30)
People think Hong Kong jockeys only ride twice a week, but it’s brutal: no rest, constant intensity. That explains the burnout we’ve seen with Zac Purton’s kidney issues or Douglas Whyte retiring relatively young.
David Morgan (12:44)
Exactly. In Hong Kong there’s no hiding. If you’re not 100%, you lose rides quickly. That’s what makes Moreira’s and Purton’s rivalry so compelling.
Michael Cox (14:57)
Looking ahead, if Moreira joins from late October through the Hong Kong International Races, how does it change the dynamic?
David Morgan (15:10)
It will shake things up. Even if he’s riding mostly for Fownes, he’ll pick up other mounts. Purton himself admitted he’s been enjoying not having a rival breathing down his neck. Moreira changes that. The riding ranks will be sharper, the races more competitive, and fans will get that electricity back.
Michael Cox (16:55)
I think it can only be good for Zac Purton. Every elite athlete needs a rival to push them higher, and Purton v Moreira always brought out the best in both.
Thanks for joining us. Make sure you check out idolhorse.com for David’s full interview with Joao Moreira from Japan, and stay tuned for upcoming features including my chat with Monty Roberts, the horse whisperer, on the whip in racing.