Joao Moreira is returning to Hong Kong stiff and sore after a fall involving Regal Monarch at Flemington.

The champion Hong Kong-based jockey suffered severe bruising to his left calf and right thigh in the fall on the home turn.

Des O’Keeffee, chairman of the Australian Jockeys Association, said Moreira didn’t need to go to hospital for treatment.

He said doctors were happy for Moreira to fly back to Hong Kong with fellow rider Zac Purton.

Moreira was to ride Thomas Hobson in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup and was replaced by apprentice Ben Allen.

Thomas Hobson finished in sixth position while Purton finished third aboard his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Max Dynamite.

Regal Monarch was transported to a Werribee veterinary clinic.

Racing Victoria’s general manager of veterinary services, Grace Forbes, said the Chris Waller-trained galloper had walked onto the transport truck.

“Regal Monarch was immediately attended to by our veterinary team after a fall in the Ronald McDonald House Charities Plate,” Forbes said in a statement.

“He was walked onto the float and has been transported to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic in Werribee for further assessment.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au