The Hong Kong Jockey Club has stunned racing fans by rejecting Caspar Fownes’ bid to bring back four-time champion jockey Joao Moreira as his stable rider.

Host Michael Cox and Idol Horse Chief Journalist David Morgan break down the Club’s decision, Fownes’ pragmatic response, and why fans feel short-changed.

Also in this episode:

• Why Moreira’s absence is a missed opportunity for Hong Kong racing
• How Japan is winning the jockey recruitment race
• Superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising heads to Sydney for The Everest
• A look ahead to the National Day Cup and Celebration Cup

Sharp analysis, strong opinions, and the stories behind Hong Kong racing’s biggest headlines.

• (00:01) - Welcome & Headlines
• (00:37) - Why the Jockey Club Rejected Moreira
• (02:17) - Caspar Fownes Responds
• (03:05) - Fan Reaction & Missed Opportunity
• (12:56) - Ka Ying Rising, Upcoming Races & Outro

Michael Cox and David Morgan take you inside trainer Caspar Fownes' plan to bring Joao Moreira back to Hong Kong as his stable jockey, including the latest comment from the 'Magic Man' himself. Will Moreira make his Hong Kong return permanent? Will the Club approve the application? How is Moreira still riding three years after his dramatic 'Hong Kong retirement' in 2022? And how will Moreira's presence change the dynamic of Hong Kong horse racing?

• (02:31) - – Why Not a Club Jockey? Discussion on why Moreira is returning as a retained rider for Caspar Fownes instead of a club jockey.
• (04:36) - – Will the Jockey Club Approve? Licensing politics, media speculation, and the “shadow ban” rumours around Moreira.
• (08:23) - – Moreira’s Hip & Stem Cell Treatment: How new medical treatments revived Moreira’s career and improved his riding fitness.
• (12:44) - – The Grind of Hong Kong Racing: Why riding twice a week in Hong Kong is more demanding than it looks.
• (14:57) - – How Moreira Changes the Dynamic: What his presence means for the riding ranks, Fownes’ stable, and Zac Purton.
• (16:55) - – Purton Needs the Challenge
• (18:00) - – Wrap-Up & What’s Next on Idol Horse

Idol Horse's Michael Cox and Jack Dawling bring you the latest in Hong Kong racing news following Sunday's Season Opening meeting at Sha Tin, as incumbent champion Zac Purton sent an ominous warning to rivals with a career-best opening day five-timer. The team discuss Ka Ying Rising's spectacular return, Purton and the jockey roster dynamics that flow on from the presence of such a dominant champion, Jamie Richards' successful start and new-season mindset shift, and the impact of the HKJC's new whip rules.

Brought to you by Keeneland September Sale.

• (00:00) - Season Opener at Sha Tin
• (09:56) - Jockey Dynamics in Hong Kong
• (19:47) - Jamie Richards' New Season Strategy
• (29:36) - Whip Rules and Their Impact
• (34:00) - Previewing the Irish Champion Stakes