It was one of those nights when numbers met emotion — and history quietly smiled. At Happy Valley on Wednesday (22 October), Zac Purton, already Hong Kong’s all-time leading jockey, added another golden chapter to his story by landing his 1,900th Hong Kong win aboard Talents Supremo (126lb) in the Class 5 Success Handicap (1200m).
The veteran Australian, fresh off his monumental Group 1 The Everest victory with Ka Ying Rising in Sydney just four days earlier, wore a look of quiet satisfaction as he crossed the line. The milestone, he said, was as much about gratitude as glory.
“It’s a really good number to get to,” Purton reflected. “I can’t do it without the support I get. It was nice to do it on one of Danny’s horses because he’s been my biggest supporter here. Everything just fell into place — right gate, right run — that’s what you need at Happy Valley.”
A journey built on resilience and excellence
Purton’s story is one of endurance, evolution, and sheer will. The 42-year-old from Lismore, Australia, began his journey as a 14-year-old apprentice with trainer Trevor Hardy in Coffs Harbour. His first winner, Magic Zap at Armidale, came 25 years ago — the start of a career that would see him climb racing’s highest peaks.
Now an eight-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey, Purton’s name sits among greats like Beauty Generation, Exultant, Aerovelocity, Ambitious Dragon, and Lucky Sweynesse. His partnership with Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year, has been another glittering highlight in a career already crowded with them.
“It means a lot,” Purton said of the milestone. “I’ve had great opportunities, great support, and I’m thankful to all the owners and trainers — and The Hong Kong Jockey Club for letting me come here and do what I love. I’ll forever be in debt to them.”
The company of legends
Only Douglas Whyte (1,813 wins) and Joao Moreira (1,240) have crossed the 1,000-win mark in Hong Kong. Behind them trail Tony Cruz (946) and Brett Prebble (806). Purton, however, stands alone at the summit — his consistency and competitiveness unmatched across two decades of relentless riding.
When asked about reaching 2,000, Purton didn’t hesitate.
“It’s possible, as long as I stay fit and healthy,” he said with a grin. “It’s a big number, but it gives me something to chase — and I’ve always liked a challenge.”
Purton’s treble crowns the night
The landmark victory was only part of the evening’s script. Purton went on to ride a treble — steering South Star (129lb) to win the Class 3 Songs Of Victory Handicap (1650m) for Frankie Lor, and Akashvani (121lb) in the Class 3 Flying Handicap (1200m) for David Hayes, who fittingly celebrated his 63rd birthday with the win.
Trainer Mark Newnham also enjoyed a memorable night, notching a treble to extend his early-season lead with 17 wins from 13 meetings. His Youthful Spirits (120lb) claimed the HK$2.84 million Class 2 The LONGINES Cup Handicap (1000m) under Luke Ferraris.
Ferraris, who also partnered King Oberon (123lb) to victory for Douglas Whyte earlier in the night, praised his tricky yet talented sprinter.
“He’s given me sleepless nights,” Ferraris admitted. “But today he found that extra gear when it mattered. It was a big relief.”
Newnham’s other winners included Looks Outstanding (119lb) in the Class 4 Swifty Handicap (1200m, second section) with Lyle Hewitson and Super Unicorn (131lb) in the Class 4 Racing Spirit Handicap (1650m) with Andrea Atzeni aboard.
Elsewhere, Silver Spurs (118lb) took the third section of the Class 4 Swifty Handicap (1200m) under Ellis Wong for Caspar Fownes, while Beauty Thunder (121lb) captured the Class 4 Speedy Handicap (1000m) for trainer Cody Mo and jockey Alexis Badel.
Eyes on Sha Tin next
Hong Kong racing now shifts to Sha Tin this Sunday (26 October) for the HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m), with Purton expected to be among the headline riders once again — carrying the aura of a man still chasing perfection after 1,900 wins.
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