Star jockey Joao Moreira will not ride at Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting following his fall at Flemington in a support race on Melbourne Cup day but has been cleared of any serious injuries after scans today.

Moreira fell hard from Regal Monarch in a staying race early on Tuesday and was ruled out of taking his Melbourne Cup ride on Thomas Hobson after injuring his legs and complaining of general soreness.

The Brazilian initially indicated he would be available to take his eight rides on Wednesday night but after consulting a Jockey Club doctor upon returning to Hong Kong was ruled unfit to ride.

‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira ruled out of Melbourne Cup after heavy fall from Regal Monarch

Moreira sustained soft tissue damage to his right thigh and left calf muscle in the fall and underwent scans today.

The jockey will have one day less than usual to recover as this weekend’s fixture is scheduled for Saturday but will be named when fields are released on Thursday.

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The leading jockey’s withdrawal could have a significant effect on betting markets as Moreira’s first six mounts were all favourites in early markets and the rider was top pick in the Jockey Challenge.