MAGIC MAN IS OFF TO JAPAN

SUPERSTAR jockey Joao ‘Magic Man’ Moreira shocked racing in the Far East yesterday by announcing he was quitting Hong Kong to ride in Japan.

Moreira, champion in Hong Kong for the last three seasons and currently leading this season’s standings, is a huge favourite with the fans at Sha Tin and Happy Valley.

He is the nearest thing to Lester Piggott in his pomp with a high percentage of his mounts starting at short prices just as they did when Piggott was in his prime.

Moreira, right, made Hong Kong racing history when he rode eight winners from 10 rides at Sha Tin in March last year and has twice before ridden eight winners on a single card — in his native Brazil and Singapore.

His departure came on a day when three other HK-based jockeys said they would not be renewing their licences for the 2018-19 season. Australians Brett Prebble and Tommy Berry as well as experienced Frenchman Olivier Delouze also joined the exodus.

Moreira said: “This was such a difficult decision and I want to thank all of the people in Hong Kong racing for what has been an amazing five seasons, but it is time to move on.” The 34-year-old Moreira, who came within a short head of winning Royal Ascot’s King’s Stand Stakes on 50-1 shot Medicean Man in 2015, is currently suspended and only one winner ahead of Zac Pruton. “I can assure everybody I will be giving it all I have for the remainder of the season,” said Moreira.

“There will be nine meetings to go when I come back from my suspension and I really want this fourth championship.”