Zac Purton will miss the ceremony for his induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame on Sunday night but the reason for his absence was Ka Ying Rising’s crucial trial at Sha Tin 24 hours earlier.
Purton was pleased with Ka Ying Rising’s final serious hit-out before the world’s highest rated sprinter’s return in the Chief Executive’s Cup (Class 1, 1200 meters) at the season opening this Sunday at Sha Tin.
Sunday’s feature, in which Ka Ying Rising will carry top weight of 135 pounds as he chases a 13th consecutive win, will be the final race before the horse travels to Australia to contest the world’s richest race on turf, the $20 million Everest.
The horse’s trainer David Hayes and Purton were both looking for more than just an impressive showing on track but better manners in the moments before he went on to the track.
Purton said yesterday showed a marked improvement in pre-race temperament, which will be crucial before the Everest at Randwick in Sydney, with its packed parade ring and boisterous crowd.
“He has walked around very fast before his races, he doesn’t really get nervous, but there was room for improvement,” Purton said. “Before the trial he was just plodding around like he does in the stables, so hopefully he takes that to the parade ring on raceday.”
Flight schedules would not have allowed Purton to return to his homeland in time for the induction ceremony but the honor has given him a chance to reflect on his career achievements, including eight Hong Kong jockeys’ championships.
“It’s nice, like a lot of people who have achieved things, I have made a lot of sacrifices in my life to get where I have,” Purton said. “You make sacrifices, then you get the awards. I have a lot of people to thank who have helped me along the way, who I have thanked – they are all part of my story and legacy as well.”
“It’s satisfying to be recognised in Australia.”
