When knowing that João Moreira was unwell, it made me call time on everything and re-evaluate my own life.
I wouldn’t say that I know João well, but from the freewheeling interviews I have had with him- and very seldom about horse racing- these always became conversations about that circle of life between two very different people finding common ground somewhere.
Both of us didn’t come from wealth, and maybe it was us succeeding against the odds, understanding that there would always be jealousy, and how jealousy must be earned, are what have made us pretty good friends.
As a rider, until he arrived in Hong Kong, I had never seen anyone like him. He really was the Magic Man, and I very much doubt that I will see anyone like him again.
I really don’t care what anyone else thinks, but João Moreira was a game changer, and he certainly brought something new and exciting to Hong Kong racing.
He was also charismatic, likeable and not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. We should all do this more often. It helps make us more empathetic to others.
I still remember all those pretty young things who were regulars at those Happy Wednesday nights drawn to the Brazilian rider. When he won, they won- something intangible and something that can’t be defined. It was something infectious.
I won, too, because there was an emotional attachment which became part of a pastime I am still to be sold on and this added to having a fun night out.
As I keep saying, I am not a “racing writer” nor a “horsey” person. I love all animals, especially cats.
I did once get into horse racing, albeit in a very self-destructive way. This was whenever visiting my parents in Melbourne. I might have retreated quickly though not fast enough when remembering how the game, and because of my own weaknesses, took a hold of my life.
The guilt of putting having a bet ahead of spending quality time with my dying mother and father still lives with me. So did discovering that those in horse racing I thought to be “friends” were on a free ride and on my dime.
Maybe as jazz musician Chet Baker said, I wanted to get lost.
Watching someone with whom you’re pretty much joined at the hip as you share the same birthday and you’re flesh and blood struck down with Alzheimer’s is very tough to accept.
Until involved in those Happy Wednesday nights, my visits to the racetrack were only for the Hong Kong International Races at Shatin and when true friends from overseas were in town and there was real camaraderie.
Other than that, today, it’s having a lunch or dinner with those I know to be very good people in racing I am close to for all the right reasons.
There is never any talk about the chances of a runner, punting, weights and measures and everything returning to the politics and inner workings of horse racing.
I have always been a music and marketing person and still am. These are what keep me going.
Horse racing? If it offers people enjoyment that’s fine with me.
We’re all different, and especially during these post pandemic times while learning to live with Covid, we all have new and different priorities.
As for Hong Kong racing, like the city, it’s not what it was as its progress has been stopped in its tracks. So has most of Hong Kong. And despite social distancing measures and the weird science of 0+3 and 0+0 supposedly having “improved” things, and “blueprints for the future”, one can’t help but wonder where exactly we are today.
One can’t help but think how this city is going to make that quantum leap from where things are today to a new abnormal that’s not about settling for anything that’s only alright.
One hopes that João Moreira is happy being back in Brazil with his family and friends, and realises that there are things in life that money and more money can never buy.
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