Brazilian-born Singapore rider Joao “Joe” Moreira has ridden all around the world and on Saturday brought his star qualities to Warwick Farm with victory in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes aboard the enigmatic Trusting.
The 27-year-old, who has been a jockey for almost 11 years, has ridden in nine countries as far afield as France, Uruguay, Dubai, Hong Kong and Macau.
Trusting wins his first race in two years after taking out Saturday's Chelmsford Stakes - Photo by Steve Hart
He was lured to Sydney by the Patinack Farm team and while he had a luckless run on Pane In The Glass in the Furious Stakes (1400m) and finished unplaced, he made amends with his Chelmsford (1600m) victory with Trusting nailing My Kingdom Of Fife by a head.
“I’m very proud to be here,” Moreira said.
“I was wide (on Trusting) but I had to work it out that way when he didn’t jump well.
“He came home so strong to beat the other horse.”
The five-year-old had not won a race since the 2009 Warwick Stakes and trainer John Thompson readily admitted he was frustrating to train.
“He is the most frustrating horse I have ever had anything to do with,” Thompson said.
“He is a real bull and he’s got a mind of his own.
“Before this race I really wanted to go to the Caulfield Cup because I think he is more of a stayer now but I’ll talk to the boss (Nathan Tinkler).”
Thompson first heard about Moreira from his brother Glen, who was foreman to Michael Freedman in Singapore before returning to Australia to join the Patinack Team.
He rates the hoop a “superstar” and hasn’t ruled out calling on Moreira again during the spring carnival, pending his commitments in Singapore.
“He’s a good jockey this guy. He’s a superstar,” Thompson said.
Moreira has already ridden 100 winners in Singapore this season, including a six-timer on August 7.
Chris Waller, trainer of the runner-up, will weigh up whether to head to the Hill Stakes in Sydney or the Underwood in Melbourne.
“I don’t want to overrace him but I want to aim high,” Waller said.
Three-year-old Strike The Stars did his best work late for third another 1-1/4 lengths away.
Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday was back in the second half of the field throughout and finished eighth.
AAP TURF
