Intro:

Record prize money of HK$ 800,000 was on offer at the Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong on Wednesday, as the 2012 International Jockey's Championship took place, the traditional curtain-raiser to the weekend's prestigious Hong Kong Cup.

Script:

Record prize money was on offer at the Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong on Wednesday, as the 2012 International Jockey's Championship took place, the traditional curtain-raiser to the weekend's prestigious Hong Kong Cup.

12 of Hosreracing's most talented jockeys from around the world assembled for a four-race competition.

The day belonged to Singapore-based Brazilian Joao 'Magic' Moreira, who produced a stunning display of riding.

Moreira took the first race comfortably, and pocketed two fourth-place finishes in the 2nd and 3rd races.

In the final race of the day, Moreira didn't look to have much of a chance when he hit the 200 metre pole in eight place aboard Noble Deluxe.

A late burst from Zac Purton's Chancellor snatched the lead with the finish line only two strides away.

However, Moreira induced a lightning finish from Noble Deluxe and he won it by the tightest of margins.

With his two wins and two second place finishes, there was little doubt about the destination of this year's IJC title and Moreira duly stepped up to receive the trophy and a winner's cheque for 500,000 Hong Kong dollars.