Caspar Fownes is brimming with excitement as he prepares to unveil a familiar face as his retained stable rider at Wednesday night’s (8 April) Happy Valley fixture.

Reuniting with ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira, Fownes is hoping to strengthen his trainers’ title push when the four-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 & 2020/21) and winner of 1,242 races in Hong Kong returns with nine rides.

Currently second in the trainers’ championship, Fownes said: “It’s good to have him back. I’m sure he’ll be well received by his massive fan base in Hong Kong. It’s nice to have him riding everything for us on Wednesday and, hopefully, we can snag a winner.”

Moreira initially moved to Hong Kong from Singapore in 2013. He rode 97 winners to finish second in his first season and clinched his first title in 2014/15 (145 wins). He excelled again in 2015/16 (168) and 2016/17 (170), while his great championship rivalry with Zac Purton has produced some of Hong Kong racing’s most memorable moments.

Moreira partners Decision Link, Vermilion Tempest, Elegant Life, Golden Brilliant, Monarch County, Sky Cap, Sky Vino, Perfect General and Mighty Commander as he commences his retainership, which runs until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Fownes said: “There’s a long way to go (in the championship). I’ve been there, I know what it takes, and I’ll just be chipping away. Good luck to everyone but as along as everyone gets a fair go – it’ll come down to a bit of luck, good rides and handicaps.”

Hong Kong International Sale graduate Perfect General (128lb) contests the first section of the Class 3 On Lan Handicap (1200m), while Mighty Commander (128lb) faces the second section, one race later.

Fownes said: “I think he’ll (Perfect General) be competitive. He’s drawn in gate four, and he’ll get his own luck. Another one (Mighty Commander) – he’s drawn in four as well, he’s coming off a nice trial, he’s an honest horse, he always runs well and he’ll be doing the same again. He’s had a nice freshen up – they both have waiting for Joao.”

Highly successful around the world, Moreira has three times posted eight winners in a single race day at Sha Tin (5 March, 2017), Kranji (6 September, 2013) and Cidade Jardim (March, 2006). He was four times Singapore Champion Jockey (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013).

Together with Fownes, Moreira won the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) aboard Sky Darci – his second win in the race after Rapper Dragon, who became the first to win all three legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series in 2017. Moreira’s famously been associated with Hong Kong stars Able Friend, Designs On Rome, Beat The Clock, Hot King Prawn, Peniaphobia, Time Warp, Military Attack and Waikuku, among others.

42-year-old Moreira has enjoyed a successful association with Japan racing as well, winning Group 1s aboard Maurice, Satono Reve, Lys Gracieux, Museum Mile, Stellenbosch, Embroidery, Glory Vase, Satono Crown and Neorealism.

He has also won top-level races in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Uruguay and his native Brazil. Moreira also won the 2012 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley before his permanent move to Hong Kong.

Wednesday’s (8 April) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Cochrane Handicap (1200m).

Photo: HKJC