Zac Purton reminded global racing fans just why he is Hong Kong’s eight-time champion jockey with a pair of masterful rides on Sha Tin’s marquee day, collecting a Group 1 double on Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble.
Purton and Ka Ying Rising blew his rivals away in the Hong Kong Sprint before Voyage Bubble outmuscled Soul Rush in the Hong Kong Mile, as the Australian took his tally of victories at the Hong Kong International Races to 14.
“It’s always special,” Purton said. “This is the meeting that I really like to do well at and I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have ridden some great horses and had a lot of opportunities.
“I wake up everyday and think ‘jeez, how lucky am I?’ I’ve had an amazing career and it’s been an incredible journey.”
Purton continued his formidable partnership with Ka Ying Rising when David Hayes’ superstar sprinter collected his 16th consecutive win in wildly impressive fashion.
The world’s highest-rated sprinter, who jumped as the Hong Kong Sprint’s 1.05 favorite, made all the running under Purton, stretching three-and-three-quarter lengths clear of Raging Blizzard in second.
“He was awesome,” Purton said. “That was the performance everyone was waiting for him to put up on a big day like this.
“Once he found his rhythm and his balance, he put them away comfortably. He feels like he’s improving all the time and it’s a pleasure to be on his back. I’m enjoying the moment and I’m hoping the journey goes on for a couple more years yet.”
After jumping with his customary early speed from stall one, Purton opted to lead on Ka Ying Rising one off the rail with Japanese raider Win Carnelian trailing in second. Travelling smoothly turning for home, Purton urged Ka Ying Rising to lengthen 400m out.
The sprinter’s response was immediate and Ka Ying Rising sauntered to his sixth top-level success.
“It felt good,” Purton said. “We didn’t really have a fixed plan other than to be positive. I’m surprised I led, but I was always going to be happy to lead anyway.
“When I looked at the big screen, I was a long way in front.”
While Purton opted to lead from the inside draw aboard Ka Ying Rising, the rider was set the task of negotiating barrier 12 on Voyage Bubble and tracked the leader, Pray For Mir.
Last season’s Triple Crown was headed by Soul Rush but battled on gamely to defend his crown.
“There was a lot going on and he had to absorb all of that, then he got headed and had to fight back, so it was a really courageous performance,” Purton said.
“When we reflect back on all the great horses in Hong Kong, he’s certainly going to be remembered in the way that he should.”
Purton put on a dominant display on Sha Tin’s biggest day and he will look to continue his supremacy with the Hong Kong International Races in the rearview mirror at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The rider sits on 48 wins for the season, 28 clear of Hugh Bowman in second.
