Joao Moreira is looking to regain some breathing space in the race for the jockeys’ championship this Wednesday (4 March) at Happy Valley as he returns from a two-meeting suspension with a full book of eight rides.
Moreira, has seen his margin at the top reduced to seven wins after reigning champion jockey Zac Purton hit back during the Brazilian’s absence with five wins from 19 rides.
Moreira, however, is taking his season one week at a time, hungry for winners while focusing little on the prospect of a fourth title as he bids to hold top spot till season’s end (15 July).
“I try not to think too much about it even if I do but all I have to keep thinking about is how I can keep on winning races and so far this season I’ve been getting good support and getting on nice horses,” Moreira said.
Both dual three-time champion jockeys, the dominant pair have stretched clear of the pack as the mid-point of the season passes. Moreira leads with 81 wins, Purton sits second with 74 wins, while Karis Teetan ranks third on 45.
“I think I will be able to keep on ticking along with winners here and there and it’s very hard to say now whether it will be enough to win the championship but what I can say is I am trying my best, knowing that I have tough competition Zac (Purton) is a very good jockey – he’s very intelligent and he does his homework very well which inspires me to also do my very best,” Moreira said.
Moreira is searching for his fourth title after taking home three consecutive championships from 2014/15 to 2016/17, amassing 483 wins in that time while setting a single-season record of 170 wins. He relinquished the title to Purton in 2017/18 and the Australian went back-to-back with 304 wins across those two seasons.
Moreira has eight chances on Wednesday’s card including a horse familiar to Purton, the Peter Ho-trained Magnificent (131lb) who tackles the second section of the Class 3 San Po Kong Handicap (1650m).
“He seems alright – fortunately he drew a good gate. I have only galloped him once but he seems nice, he feels well and he’s healthy,” Moreira said.