Champion jockey Zac Purton has committed to continue riding in Hong Kong for the 2023-24 season, despite previously considering leaving.
Purton revealed that he had “one foot out the door” but changed his mind following discussions with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
He cited the club’s willingness to allow jockeys to travel more to ride overseas as a key factor in his decision.
Purton’s new deal could pave the way for him to ride more in Australia or other countries when opportunities arise.
He explained that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has recognized the importance of allowing its stars to compete at the bigger carnivals and attract the best jockeys from around the world.
Purton emphasized that while he will have more freedom to travel, Hong Kong will remain his priority.
“At the end of the day, it just came down to the discussions we had with the Jockey Club. Whether they were going to be more flexible than they had been, whether it was going to be easier to base myself in Australia,” said Purton in an interview with the South China Morning Post.
“Certainly, at one stage, I had one foot out the door and the other foot was nearly with it. I suppose you could say at the 11th hour, the club threw a little bit of a Hail Mary, and I caught the ball.”
Purton is a three-time Hong Kong champion jockey and has won multiple Group 1 races in Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan.
His decision to stay in Hong Kong is good news for racing fans and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has been working hard to attract top jockeys to its events.
