Equestrian Icon Zac Purton Rides Different Path to a Thrilling Solo Victory

Equestrian discipline is one of the finest, as the world spectates riders and their beloved animals to create magic on the tracks. Happy Valley Racecourse is one such, which has seen triumphant moments over the years. It doesn’t just serve the spectators with colorful horse race events. But is also a witness to several accolades and historical moments. Besides the nail-biting racing experiences, visitors also enjoy high-quality trainers and jockeys in action.

One such jockey, Zac Purton, has proved himself time and again, as the most seasoned jockey. Happy Valley being his lucky racecourse, he’s making a comeback this season, but with a different equine.

Equestrian pundit announces his top picks

Horse racing commentator Jim McGrath awaits Wednesday’s Happy Valley race, with three of his picks. Melbourne Hall, Up and Up, and Allgreektome are looking forward to a level-pegging bout the following day. Out of them, Allgreektome is all set to run the race of his lie, despite the bizarre incident a week ago. His lead pony on the way to the post kicked the five-year-old, thus getting ruled out by the vets. However, trainer Hayes asserted that the gelding starts his second season with a 1-9 record, owing to no major damage.

Along similar lines, Zac Purton, who saddled on Allgreektome a week ago, decided to switch his preference to Solid Impact. The six-year-old gelding crossed another milestone with Zac in February, while galloping past the competition.

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Even though the race is similar to last week’s, Allgreektome has drawn better in gate two, where he should be able to take advantage of the race’s run. The threats are Keep You Warm and Majestic Knight, who competes for new trainer Mark Newnham. Purton has also previously ridden Up and Up, but Karis Teetan gets the limelight this time. However, Zac’s finesse is unmatched, and he has established himself atop the podium.

Zac’s first Happy Valley treble

Back in June, on a nice Wednesday night, Zac clinched his Happy Valley treble of 2023. He reached 149 victories for the year and getting closer to Joao Moreira’s single-season record. The race inside the race is the focus of interest as Purton stretched his premiership lead over second-placed Vincent Ho Chak-yiu to an incredible 69 victories. The Australian now needs exactly two victories per match from the last 11 games to surpass Moreira’s total of 170.

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Purton finished off his winning streak when riding Jamie Richards’ progressive three-year-old Seasons Wit in the Class Three Shung Ling Handicap (1,000m). This followed earlier victory by Jimmy Ting Koon-ho’s The Runner and Manfred Man Ka-leung’s Golden Luck. Moreover, Zac notched 100 wins in a season, thus becoming the second rider to earn the fastest 50 in Hong Kong history.