MOREIRA SHOWS HIS MAGIC AGAIN IN JAPAN SERIES

Last-leg win hands Brazilian superstar title in annual World All-Star Jockeys contest

- Michael Lee

Former Kranji kingpin Joao Moreira produced his trademark late show to claim the World All-Star Jockeys series at Sapporo Racecourse in Japan on Aug 25.

In the Japan Racing Association (JRA) annual jockeys' challenge, two teams contest four races over two days to fight for the best individual jockey and team.

While Team JRA won the series on 237 points, "Magic Man” Moreira as he is known, representing Team World All-Stars (216 points), chalked up the most points individually - 64 points.

It was the Brazilian maestro's second hurrah after the first one in 2015.

"I'm very happy to be the champion again. I came here this year to enjoy the event," said the four-time Hong Kong champion jockey, who picked up a 3 million yen (S$27,000) cheque for the win.

"I was especially happy I rode a great horse in the last leg. I didn't have confidence, but I was ready to take on the challenge, and the horse gave a great performance."

Moreira was referring to his only salute which came aboard Ezo Daimon in his last ride, a win that vaulted him to first place after ending Day One in fifth place.