Golden Eagle 2024: Globetrotting jockeys, international horses poised for $10m flight as the Eagle goes global

A Japanese equine star and a Brazilian jockey known as the ‘Magic Man’ lead the field of international raiders poised for a $10m flight in Australia’s second-richest race.

Ascoli Piceno, wit Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira aboard, completes trackwork at Canterbury. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

A Japanese horse ridden by a Brazilian jockey in Australia’s second richest race.

If the global appeal of the $10 million Golden Eagle wasn’t already apparent, it certainly will if Ascoli Piceno wins Saturday’s main event at Rosehill Gardens.

Globetrotting superstar rider Joao Moreira, known affectionately as the ‘Magic Man’, will chase one of his biggest Australian wins of his career when he partners the Yoichi Kuroiwa-trained Ascoli Piceno this weekend.

Ascoli Piceno will be one of two elite Japanese contenders in the Golden Eagle alongside Corazon Beat as they attempt to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Obamburumai in the same race a year ago.

They help make up half of a record four internationals in Sydney’s lucrative four-year-old event.

Jockey Joao Moreira pictured at Canterbury trackwork. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Unbeaten French galloper Lazzat, set to be piloted by Italian born hoop Antonio Orani, as well as England’s Lake Forest and jockey Cieren Fallon give further weight to the international quality in this year’s event.

It’s expected to unfold in front of a bumper crowd in Sydney’s west, just two weeks after a sold out Royal Randwick hosted the $20 million TAB Everest.

Unbeaten French galloper, Lazzat, breezes through work at Canterbury. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

The excitement of the big occasion helps fuel Moreira.

“There is no doubt about it (it’s exciting), it’s a big race and we all want to be involved in these ones,” he said.

“It’s another one on the list that I haven’t won before so I’d be extremely happy if we can take the prize home.”

Moreira has been a revelation wherever he’s travelled throughout his career with successful stints in Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

Corazon Beat at trackwork. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

The 41-year-old has won at the top level at races across the globe and welcomes the challenge of performing on the big occasions.

“What do you call pressure? It’s exactly what drives us jockeys,” Moreira said.

“You try to get on a good horse and if it’s a big race, it’s a big race.

“You have to hold your nerves and make sure you do your best.”

Lake Forest rounds out the contingent of international raiders. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Moreira has been riding in Australia since midway through September and claimed Group 1 glory with Buckaroo in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield last month.

But the next week will be the most important of his latest stint with chances in two of the biggest races on the calendar.

After he connects with Ascoli Piceno in the Golden Eagle, he will travel to south to link up with Melbourne Cup favourite Buckaroo next Tuesday at Flemington.

“When you decide to make a trip to Australia for a short stint, you never know what you are going to end up on,” Moreira said.

“I got some really nice horses coming up. I didn’t ride too many nice horses until now but I am not complaining about that to be very honest.

“But what is coming next, is really exciting and this filly is one of them and my Melbourne Cup ride is no doubt another one that are so many jockeys dream rides, so I am happy with that.”

The Golden Eagle will be run at 4.45pm on Saturday.

Originally published as Golden Eagle 2024: Globetrotting jockeys, international horses poised for $10m flight as the Eagle goes global