Former multiple champion jockey Gary Moore has failed in his attempt to rejoin Hong Kong's racing industry. Any chance the Australian had of officially acting as his brother John's assistant trainer disappeared at a meeting of the Jockey Club's Licensing Committee yesterday. Moore, 46, who was also champion jockey of France for a year, was in Australia when the committee reached its expected decision. He had travelled there two days previously to work out prospective private-purchase horses for Sha Tin-based brother John. The committee slammed the door on Moore at a brief hearing, and it seems unlikely he will have any official recognition in the foreseeable future. A Jockey Club statement said the committee rejected an application from Moore for a Trainer's Assistant permit. Before the hearing, John said: 'Gary is not holding out much hope and neither am I. We understand that a couple of years ago, when Casper Fownes was re-issued with a similar permit, the Licensing Committee told him it would be the last one given out.' Younger brother Gary is expected back later today, and he said this week: 'I know the odds are against me but I just hope there might be a slim chance. I am employed by John's company. I don't think there is anything stopping me coming to Sha Tin racecourse in the mornings and helping John clock horses.' Although there was support from a number of owners in the stable, Moore's application had always seemed certain to founder. He was an exciting champion jockey, but his disqualification for betting-related offences put him on the wrong side of officialdom. He also said: 'I do think a lot of ordinary people in Hong Kong will be disappointed. I have been stopped repeatedly in the street and people have wished me well and genuinely hoped that I would join John.' The Licensing Committee held over decisions on the future of disqualified senior jockey Rambo Tse Wai-ho, former apprentice Raymond S. M. Tam, and apprentices Peter W. L. Ho and Andy C. H. Ko. Decisions will be taken if and when the four officially apply to have their licences renewed for this season. While their future looks bleak, four new faces in the riding ranks will appear at Happy Valley tonight for a gala opening to the new season. British riders David Harrison and Brett Doyle are joined by Irishman Richard Hughes and South African Robbie Fraad as they stake their claim for places on Hong Kong's booming racing scene. There will be a colourful opening ceremony before the running of the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup, the first race of the new season. Mr Tung Chee-wah will present the silver-gilt cup, made in London from 1832 to 1833 in the reign of William IV. It was first handed over at a meeting in Newcastle on June 10, 1834, to the owners of Beeswing, a famous mare who won 54 races in her superb career in Britain.