MOREIRA HAS FAITH IN BUCKAROO

After treble in Brazil, Magic Man eyes first big Spring Carnival test in Gl Caulfield Cup

- Michael Lee

As an elite jockey chalking up frequent flyer miles every other month, Joao Moreira lives by the adage "have saddle, will travel" to the hilt.

In his case, that jet-setting lifestyle between his native Brazil, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai depends even more so on a tweak to the motto - "have hip and saddle, will travel".

It is well documented that the jockey known as Magic Man almost hung up his boots in 2022, when then based in Hong Kong, because of a troublesome left hip.

To his legion of fans' relief, a combination of platelet-rich plasma therapy and willpower has put all talk of retirement on the back-burner.

A quick flip through his most recent boarding gates reveals a Group 1 win in Melbourne (Buckaroo in the Underwood Stakes) on Sept 21 and three wins in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Oct 12.

However, fame came at a price on Oct 5. Unless teleportation existed, Moreira could not simultaneously be at the place on top of his wishlist that day - Kranji.