THE MAGIC MAN - WHAT A COMEBACK!

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, April 8, 2026

What a comeback!

Joao Moreira produced an electrifying four-timer on his return to Hong Kong racing at Happy Valley on Wednesday to ignite Caster Fownes’ title challenge and send him rocketing back to the top of the Trainers’ Championship where he now joins Mark Newnham on forty-seven winners.

Moreira didn’t waste time winning on his first ride of the night in the opening race aboard the Fownes trained Decision Link after which he peppered the scoreboard with wins in races four, six and eight.

Moreira was narrowly denied another winner in the seventh race when going down by a head to the Hugh Bowman partnered Silvery Breeze, who saluted for trainer David Eustace.

“Dream night. It’s nice to get a few wins on the board,” said Moreira. “Caspar said he was going to have a few horses ready to run well on this meeting and he’s done an amazing job.

“I just finished it off. He’s done everything and given me nice horses. When you, as a rider, are riding nice horses, your life is much easier.”

Riding in his role as retained jockey to Casper Fownes, Moriera acknowledged both a difference and a similarity to his previous time spent in Hong Kong.

“It’s a bit different now because I’m in a different position because I’m tied into a stable,” said Moreira … but he added, “It feels like people are warming up to having me back, I feel it, and I’m very pleased and proud.”

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