Kiwis banking on Moreira Magic

29 October 2014

One of the world’s premier jockeys could be transformed into “Kiwi Joe” if results go his way on Saturday.

Hong Kong-based Brazilian rider Joao Moreira will team up with two Kiwi gallopers in Group One races at Flemington on Saturday as Waikato trainers Trent Busuttin and Lance Noble seek elite-level success on one of the biggest days on the Australian racing calendar.

Busuttin and his partner Natalie Young have booked Moreira to ride Atmosphere in the $A1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m), while Noble has secured the ace hoop’s services for multiple Group One winner Viadana in the $A500,000 Myer Classic (1600m).

Busuttin will shoot for his second Victoria Derby win after recently-retired Savabeel gelding Sangster gave him his first in 2011.

Like Sangster, Atmosphere is also by Savabeel and like Sangster he ran second in his lead-up race, the AAMI Vase, when ridden by Nash Rawiller, who has been ruled out of the Derby ride through suspension.

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Oaks Day glory for Waikato Stud-bred Sulek

Waikato Stud enjoyed a special moment on Oaks Day at Flemington on Thursday, when the New Zealand-bred gelding Sulek – by Super Seth out the O’Reilly mare Tiff And Co, saluted on one of the biggest days of the racing calendar and in front of an international crowd. Bred by the farm in partnership with the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Sulek took out the A$500,000 Cirka Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final (1600m) for the third and most lucrative win of his career.

5 November 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

And so, another Melbourne Cup has been run. Regretfully, Mary and I were not there. I have no idea how many we attended up until COVID, and I miss the Cup week. Victoria prides itself as the sporting capital of Australia; it may be, they certainly know how to create an event.