‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira looks set to make a sensational return to Hong Kong following his failure to secure a full-time Japan Racing Association licence.

Moreira, a three-time champion jockey in Hong Kong, had intended to start a new chapter of his career in Japan. Those plans, however, were scuppered after he failed a test on the history of Japanese racing, rendering him unable to ride in the country once his current short-term licence expires this year.

Moreira now looks poised to complete a return to Hong Kong after ten-time champion trainer John Size stated his intention to enter an application for the Brazilian to become his new stable jockey.

Responding to reports of a possible collaboration, Size told the South China Morning Post: "That's our intention, [but] the application hasn’t gone in yet. There’s a facility here where a trainer can apply for a retained rider, so there’s an opportunity there for that at the moment. 

"If the Jockey Club looks on it favourably we’ll take the next step, but the timing is a little unclear at present. I have started to talk to some owners and I haven't come up with much resistance so far."

In the short-term, Moreira will continue to ride in Japan until travelling to Australia for the Melbourne Cup on November 6.