They’ve had to settle for a dominant jockeys’ premiership winner for the past few seasons – and likely will in 2025-26 as well – but Hong Kong racing fans could be in for a midseason stoush for the ages if the stars align in the next couple of months.

With The Standard reporting on Monday that Joao Moreira could be set for a return to Hong Kong as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey and James McDonald believed to be one of a string of riders confirmed for winter stints in Hong Kong, eight-time champion Zac Purton can expect to find things a little bit tougher towards the end of the year.

While there seems to be some water to go under the bridge before the Fownes-Moreira union is given the tick of approval by Jockey Club officials, the Brazilian rider – a four-time Hong Kong champion – could be back riding in the city by late October before staying until at least December.

McDonald has begun his short-term stints around mid-November in the past two years and is expected to be back in Hong Kong at least by the Group Two feature day on November 23, meaning three of the world’s best jockeys – four when you include Hugh Bowman – could be duking it out for a month or more.

While Moreira would of course have to do most of his riding for Fownes, he would be free to take rides for other stables when available.

It’s unlikely the fireworks would be restricted to the racetrack either, with Purton and Moreira enjoying a fierce rivalry in the past and the Brazilian involved in his share of controversy in Hong Kong.

After first quitting Hong Kong racing to pursue a career in Japan in 2018, he was told by Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges that Hong Kong “is not a place you can walk in and out of” before using a stint as John Size’s stable jockey to get his foot back in the door before again receiving a full license.

Moreira then handed in his licence again in 2022 after battling hip trouble and struggling with the mental toll of being a jockey in Hong Kong, especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic, confirming he would be embarking on a global farewell tour.

The Magic Man has since successfully pinch-hit in the likes of Australia and Japan while also experiencing plenty of success at home in Brazil.

He last rode in Hong Kong at April’s Champions Day, landing a double.

Wong realistic about Valley move

She banged home a double at Sha Tin on Sunday to reach 20 Hong Kong winners and lower her claim from 10lb to 7lb, but it seems Britney Wong Po-ni is still a way away from riding at Happy Valley.

While traditionally apprentice jockeys are given the all-clear by stewards to compete at the tight-turning Happy Valley before outriding their 10lb claim, Wong is still building the confidence required to tackle the challenging circuit.

“My plan is obviously to get it as soon as possible. It’s not my decision so I think I’ll just try my best to chase for it,” said Wong.

“If they say no, that means I’ve still got some steps to make. Of course, I have to tell them I’m confident to be riding at Happy Valley as it’s a sharper turn and faster pace and night races, but at the same time we’re working together to see where I’m up to and what else we can do to get that goal.”

Wong received praise from boss David Hall on Sunday, with the trainer complimenting her fearlessness in the opening race and suggesting “she’s made good improvement”.

However, Engelbrecht-Bresges confirmed “she would have to pass significant tests” before making the leap to Happy Valley.