Purton Passes Whyte For Most Wins in Hong Kong History

Michael Cox

It took until the final race at Happy Valley but Zac Purton made history when he passed Douglas Whyte to break the record for most wins in Hong Kong racing history.

Purton's win on View Of The World last night took him to 1,814 career wins.

Earlier in the night, Whyte paid tribute to Purton after the race in which the Australian equaled his record of 1,813 wins.

Purton's victory on Spirit Of Peace for trainer John Size drew him level with his former nemesis, who is now a successful trainer.

For one special moment after the third race of the program, the two greats with 20 championships between them stood shoulder to shoulder as equals and spoke of each other with respect.

"He deserves it," Whyte said of Purton. "As I have mentioned before, to do what he does day in and day out, it's not easy to do and that's what makes champions.

"If there is anybody I want to do it, it is Zac."

Whyte and Purton posed for photos in front of the bell that has been rung after each of the winners Purton has ridden in the "countdown" to 1,813.

Purton was clearly humbled by the words of the 13-time champion, who had raised the standard for jockeys in Hong Kong. "It was nice to hear those words and follow the legacy Douglas has created," Purton said.

Purton and Whyte then shared bell- ringing duties as flash bulbs popped and photographers captured the unique moment in Hong Kong racing history.

It took 10,544 rides for Purton to equal the record that South African Whyte took 12,269 to compile.

In the fourth race, first-year trainer David Eustace continued to build momentum when Amazing Award broke through at his eighth start.

Earlier in the night trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai celebrated his 66th birthday with a win when Golden Empire won at his first start down in Class 4.

Lui also became a grandfather for the first time during the week after his eldest daughter gave birth to a girl.