JOÃO Moreira is affectionately known as ‘The Magic Man’, and is one of the most in-demand jockeys on the international circuit. He is very popular with Japanese owners and trainers, despite failing to be get a licence to ride permanently in that country some years ago, a consequence of their strict protocols for issuing such permits.

He has been able to get temporary licences however, and no wonder. On Sunday he partnered the three-year-old colt Museum Mile (Leontes) to victory over the favourite Croix Du Nord, last year’s undefeated champion juvenile, in the Group 1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) at Nakayama Racecourse.