JOAO Moreira has failed in his first attempt to secure a full-time JRA jockey’s licence.

A three-time Champion Jockey in Hong Kong, Joao Moreira shocked racing fans in June when he announced his intention to quit Hong Kong and become a full-time rider in the JRA. Moreira in recent years has become a frequent visitor to the land of the rising sun on a short-term licence (maximum stay of three months).