Joao Moreira has not ridden in Hong Kong since September 21 due to a recurring hip injury which saw him sidelined before he decided to return home to Brazil for further treatment and rehabilitation … and also, most importantly, to be with his family who had already gone back to Brazil at that time.
Moreira then shocked many people by handing in his license to ride in Hong Kong for the 2022/23 season … but he has been granted a temporary, specific license to race at the Longines Hong Kong International Races on Sunday (December 11) for one last appearance on a stage he has dominated so often.
It also gives Moreira an opportunity to say goodbye to his loyal Hong Kong fans, who have adored him over the past nine years, in a manner befitting his status in Hong Kong, an opportunity he was denied when his hip injury laid him low.
But the issuing of that International Races license was not without a condition and that is why there is some speculation … and indeed some scepticism … about Moreira’s fitness after not riding for over in Hong Kong for ten weeks.
The stipulation made by the Hong Kong Jockey Club is that Moreira must pass a stringent medical and fitness test when he arrives in Hong Kong. His participation on the big day on Sunday is dependent on that outcome.
In preparation for his return to Hong Kong, Moreira was back in the saddle, for the first time since September 21, last Saturday (December 3) where he rode six runners at his home track in Curitiba. He never rode a winner in his comeback … however, he managed four second placings.
Whilst on video he looked to be riding in that low crouched style that we are so used to seeing Moreira – I am not sure his rhythm was there.
Moreira will arrive in Hong Kong on Tuesday and undergo his medical on Wednesday morning, so the burning question is – will he pass his fitness test?
The entire racing world hopes that he does so we can see Moreira, the ultimate competitor, back on the track at Sha Tin. You can be sure he will be primed for whatever is thrown at him if he takes his place on Sunday. He has never been one to merely make up the numbers.
In particular, Moreira has had a wonderful association with Japanese runners in the past few years on the LONGINES Hong Kong International race day, so there can be no surprise that Japanese trainers have again pursued him again booking him to ride Glory Vase, Lei Papale and Resistencia in the feature races on Sunday.
Can you imagine the scenes if he rides a big race winner!
If that happens, I am certain we will see a very emotional “Magic Man” Moreira returning to scale to the thunderous applause of the expected massive crowd.
But first, it is all about that medical examination.
The final chapter in this amazing Hong Kong racing story is yet to be written.
