PURTON: 1800 WINS DOWN. 14 TO GO FOR THE RECORD AS THE CHAMPION CLOSES IN ON A PIECE OF HIISTORY

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, January 1, 2025

In a sense, given his long time and on-going dominance of the riding ranks in Hong Kong, it has always been thought of as inevitable that Zac Purton would eventually reel in and go past Douglas Whyte’s all time record of 1813 winners in that racing precinct.

The seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey, with nothing left to prove, does have this one last target to flatten to take his already extraordinary career to a new high … to a level that might never be reached again (or did they also say that about the Douglas Whyte mark as well) … and it is the rate with which Purton is now closing in on Whyte’s record that has brought what would be an historic moment into sharp focus.

Purton’s last winner on December 29 was a landmark moment in itself as it brought up win number 1800 for Purton. Only Whyte had reached that mark before.

That leaves Purton fourteen winners shy of establishing a new record for the most winners by a jockey in Hong Kong … and, while we have all learnt not to go the early crow, anywhere, because of the vagaries of racing that can bring the best of plans undone, the way Purton is closing in on his target … like a steam-train flying forward fast with its furnace firing to its full capacity … is really quite astonishing, even for one of Purton’s reputation.

Quite incredibly, Purton has won on nine of his last eighteen rides, and that included a six-timer at Happy Valley on December 26.

For all that he has achieved, Purton still remains entirely aware of the foundation on which he has built and sustained his road to success.

“Obviously there’s a lot of pride in reaching 1,800,” Purton said. “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.”

Modest enough, but those relationships which Purton has established with top owners and trainers is very much a two-way street, with Purton earning the enduring support and opportunities he received by producing, consistent results which, over time, have grown to reach an exceptional level.

Just when Purton will ride that number 1814 winner remains to be seen, but, when it happens, it will be a another magical moment to become ingrained in the rich fabric of the racing history in Hong Kong and the chapter headed ‘Zac Purton’ will be one of the most inspiring of all.

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