Joao 'Magic Man' Moreira reaches 900 winners with five-timer at Sha Tin

Joao Moreira became only the fourth jockey in history to reach 900 winners in Hong Kong with a stylish five-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday.

His fifth victory aboard Shining Ace was his 94th of the season and took him two above old rival Zac Purton in the jockeys' title race.

"I wasn't counting. It's a great mark to reach but I want to be looking back on it, leaving it behind," said Moreira, mindful of his unrelenting battle to regain the jockeys' championship.

Only Douglas Whyte, Tony Cruz and Purton have reached 900 winners and Moreira achieved the feat aboard Picken on his 4,094th ride in Hong Kong, a strike-rate of almost 22 per cent.

Sha Tin races on amid new coronavirus restrictions

Moreira showcased his talent when reaching the milestone, driving home Picken under immense pressure from runner-up Toycoon.

"It’s amazing how hard it was to win this race," said Moreira. "Toycoon didn't want to give up but fortunately I had the edge on him at the right time. We knew Picken was coming to form. I’m very lucky to have got on him at the right time."

Racing has been cancelled in a number of countries worldwide, including Britain and Ireland, but continues at Sha Tin on April 1.

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