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

Brought to you by Keeneland September Sale, September 8.

Idol Horse's Jack Dawling, David Morgan and Andrew Hawkins talk through the big storylines ahead of the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season.

The sprinting juggernaut Ka Ying Rising returns on day one for a final run ahead of the Everest, Zac Purton's relentless pursuit of championships and the 2000 wins on the horizon plus who is under the most pressure?

• (00:00) - Welcome To A New Hong Kong Racing Season.
• (01:10) - Ka Ying Rising Returns At Season Opening
• (10:18) - Zac Purton's Dominance
• (16:08) - Trainers' Championship
• (29:38) - Who's Under Pressure?

Jack Dawling, David Morgan and Andrew Hawkins review the week that was Royal Ascot for 2025, including Field Of Gold's claim to be the world's top three-year-old; the team also discusses Racing Victoria's easing of vet protocols and whether that will change plans for Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising's Australian campaign.

• (00:00) - Royal Ascot Highlights
• (02:53) - Field of Gold: A Champion in the Making?
• (05:53) - John and Thady Gosden's Success
• (09:01) - Godolphin's Strong Performance
• (12:09) - The Underdogs Shine at Ascot
• (14:59) - Ka Ying Rising and Australian Vet Protocols

Jack Dawling on the HKJC review into the vet protocols around Liberty Island’s death on Champions Day, and what now for Sydney racing after the Australian Turf Club (ATC) votes no on Rosehill? Adam Pengilly joins the News Desk to discuss the fallout.

• (00:00) - Tragic Death of Liberty Island
• (07:43) - The Future of Rosehill Racecourse

David Morgan joins Andrew Le Jeune to discuss Godolphin's big weekend, Jack Dawling on the background to the Hong Kong Jockey Club's whip rule review and Andrew Hawkins discusses his Hawk Eye View column on protected horse names.

• (00:00) - Godolphin's Stellar Weekend
• (04:19) - Future Prospects for Ruling Court and Sovereignty
• (07:39) - Godolphin's Strategic Direction and Global Operations
• (10:34) - Upcoming Races and Trials in the UK
• (11:21) - Whip Rules Review in Hong Kong
• (16:45) - Naming Protocols in Horse Racing

Andrew Le Jeune is joined by Idol Horse journalists Andrew Hawkins and Jack Dawling to discuss news out of Champions Day.

• (00:00) - FWD Champions Day highlights
• (03:10) - Ka Ying Rising's Dominance and Future Plans
• (05:58) - Champions Mile shock
• (08:51) - The FWD QEII Cup and the genius of Noriyuki Hori
• (11:55) - Tragic loss of Liberty Island
• (15:06) - Emerging stars in Hong Kong racing
• (18:07) - Looking ahead: upcoming races and future stars