When Joao Moreira was a struggling apprentice at São Paulo’s esteemed jockeys’ school, he didn’t harbour dreams of winning the biggest races in Hong Kong or Japan; he dreamt of winning feature races next door at Cidade Jardim.
So when Moreira won two of three Group 1 races in São Paulo on Saturday, among four stakes races and five races in total on one of South America’s biggest race days, the emotion was clear. Later that evening, his day became even better when he was awarded the Troféu Mossoró as Brazil’s leading rider for the 2024-25 season, which ended on June 30.
Many have questioned Moreira’s decision to not ride more regularly in more lucrative markets across Asia and Australia. Such is his talent and big race prowess, he could ride anywhere in the world at any time. However, he has been based mainly in Brazil for the last two years and he remains licensed by the Jockey Club de São Paulo, even when he travels abroad.
The most valuable Group 1 prize that Moreira won on Saturday was worth USD$36,000 to the winner – significantly less than first prizemoney for a Hong Kong Class 5 (USD$62,500) and even less than the lowest of maidens on the JRA circuit (USD$38,000).
The rider, though, rates Saturday’s success – in front of his friends, family and those who watched him grow and develop – as one of his greatest days in the saddle.
“You know, the happiness and joy I got out of the races today, there is no money that can buy it – it’s priceless,” Moreira told Idol Horse. “I’m so happy, really happy to get these horses to win today. What a good day at the office.
“It’s been quite some time since I was able to win four Group races in one day and, of the three Group 1s on the day, I was able to win two of them. I had never won either before so it is very meaningful to me.”
The stand out for Moreira was Obataye, last year’s G1 Grande Premio Brasil winner who landed the G1 Grande Premio Matias Machline (2000m), also known as the ABCPCC Classica.
“The ABCPCC is the Associação Brasileira de Criadores e Proprietários do Cavalo de Corrida – the Brazilian Association of Racehorse Breeders and Owners – it’s essentially the equivalent of our Breeders’ Cup, that’s what the name means,” Moreira said. “The prize money is decent for a race over here and there was a good crowd, a nice atmosphere and there were a lot of people there who I have had plenty to do with over the years. I loved being amongst them.
“Obataye has only raced a few times since the Grande Premio Brasil last year. We tried to give him a break because he had a tough campaign last season and he is only just coming back to his best.
“He is a horse that has shown that he has plenty of heart, especially considering that he had some issues the last couple of weeks. Sometimes, good horses make it tough and he is a very good example of that.”
Obataye will now aim at the G1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano, South America’s premier race which changes countries every year. This year, it will be run at Gavea in Rio de Janeiro on October 18. It is the first time in nine years that Brazil will host the feature.
The other Group 1 won by Moreira was the G1 Grande Premio Margarida Polak Lara (1600m) aboard the Oldoni-trained Special Do Iguassu. The three-year-old filly remains unbeaten from five starts.
He was just a half-head from making it a G1 treble, finishing second on Star Do Iguassu behind Oderich in the three-year-old colts’ equivalent, the G1 Grande Premio Joao Adhemar de Almeida Prado (1600m).
Moreira also won the Listed Classico Presidente Julio Mesquita (2400m) on Tyrion, the G3 Grande Premio General Couto de Magalhaes (3218m) on Rick The Great, and completed his five-timer on Q’Luz Do Iguassu.
The Brazilian has now won five Group 1 races in 2025, with his Cidade Jardim brace joining his Japanese victories in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen on Satono Reve, the Oka Sho on Embroidery and the Satsuki Sho on Museum Mile. He also won Australia’s G1 Underwood Stakes in September last year aboard Buckaroo.
It is that international prominence that earned Moreira a record fifth Troféu Mossoró – or Mossoro Trophy – as voted by ABCPCC members, local journalists and racing officials. He was presented with his award at a ceremony on Saturday night.
“The award is mainly for what I have done overseas during the last year,” he said. “It is an award for impacting the industry over here by carrying the Brazilian flag overseas. Obviously I’m happy, it’s recognition for all of the hard work I’ve done overseas, I’m very pleased and proud of the award and thankful for the support.” ∎
