Joao Moreira set for shock Hong Kong International Races return on Japanese raiders
Four-time Hong Kong champion Joao Moreira hasn’t ridden since his aborted early season return but has committed to ride a pair of Japanese-trained hopes at next month’s flagship Sha Tin meeting.
Superstar jockey Joao Moreira plans to make a shock return to the saddle after ten weeks on the sidelines and ride two Japanese raiders at next month’s Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.
Moreira hasn’t ridden since the fourth meeting of the Hong Kong season on September 21, after which he has been sidelined by debilitating hip issues and has spent time recovering from the resulting treatment.
The Brazilian returned to his homeland to continue his rehabilitation and be with family in early October, citing mental stress, but has confirmed to Japanese connections that he will be available to ride at Sha Tin on December 11.
Moreira has committed to two Carrot Club-owned, Group 1-winning mares in the Hong Kong Sprint and Cup.
In the Sprint he rides Resistencia, who was runner-up in last year’s race under Christophe Soumillon, and he rides Lei Papale in the Cup.