Hat-Trick Propels Purton to 1,800-Win Milestone

Australian ace only second jockey to reach HK mark, now 13 wins shy of Whyte's record

HONG KONG - Zac Purton became only the second jockey to ride 1,800 winners in Hong Kong with a treble at Sha Tin on Dec 29 as the Australian moved to within 13 victories of Douglas Whyte's all-time record of 1,813.

Completing a superb week, Purton combined with John Size to win the second section of the Lung Fu Shan Handicap (1,400m) on Endeared and the Class 4 Ho Chung Handicap (1,200m) on Masterofmyuniverse.

He then closed the final meeting of 2024 with victory on Benno Yung's Tourbillon Prince in the Class 3 Eagle's Nest Handicap (1,400m).

With nine wins from his last 18 rides, the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey has hurtled to 60 winners to lead Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21) after 33 of 88 scheduled meetings.

"Obviously there's a lot of pride in reaching 1,800," said Purton. "But it just comes down to the opportunities and support I get and I can't do anything without that.

"I've been very lucky in my time here - I never thought I would get to this number, But I'm after another one (1,813) now, so I've got to keep going. But it's nice. It's very satisfying.

"Being so close to the bigger number (Whyte's record) is going to overshadow this one, of course, but it's been a good end of the year and hopefully we can start next year just as well."

Riding in supreme form, Purton, 41, posted a record-equalling six-timer at Happy Valley on Dec 26. The Australian's first win in Hong Kong came atop Elfhelm on Sept 12, 2007 at Happy Valley for trainer Ricky Yiu.