THE landscape of the Hong Kong racing scene will change dramatically with Joao Moreira’s announcement that he will be leaving Sha Tin for Japan – what will the fallout be and who will benefit most?
Joao Moreira, Japan’s gain.
Winner – Zac Purton
The Australian jockey has been Moreira’s chief rival for the Brazilian’s time in Hong Kong and no one else comes close. With the Magic Man out of the way, Purton becomes the clear top dog and the jockeys’ championship, at least in the short-term, looks to be at his mercy.
Loser – Zac Purton punters
Good luck to the punters trying to get a decent price about any of the horses Purton rides. At his peak, the “Moreira factor” played a huge role in the markets and horses were almost always shorter than they should be because he was riding. It is something that was already a factor for Purton punters, but it will go to another level next season.
Winner – every other jockey in Hong Kong
The Magic Man has 116 winners so far this season (after 170 in 2016-17) and they now have to go somewhere else. Purton will get a chunk of them, but he can’t get down to some of those light weights so riders like Karis Teetan, Chad Schofield, Umberto Rispoli, Alberto Sanna and Derek Leung Ka-chun should see an uptick in winners.
Loser – jockeys in Japan
Moreira is one the best jockeys of the world. He was riding winners at a strike rate of 20 to 25 per cent in Hong Kong, one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world. He is probably going to do likewise in Japan so there are heaps of winners that will be taken away from those already making a living there.
Winner – Joao Moreira
Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing. The Magic Man didn’t seem to have the same joy this season – on the track or off it – so hopefully he can bounce back to his bubbly best. He has won virtually everything there is for him to win in Hong Kong so good on him for taking on a new challenge.
Loser – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Not only is the Jockey Club’s biggest name walking away for a rival jurisdiction but the suddenness of the announcement means they can’t have another high-profile replacement ready to step in. The timing will have them on the back foot. The other top riders in the world are well aware of the dominance of Moreira and Purton and weren’t going to put their hat in the ring for a full-time licence while they were both there.
-SCMP.
