Zac Purton issues HK premiership challenge

Australian Zac Purton has ridden four winners at Sha Tin to eat into Joao Moreira’s lead in the premiership.

Purton, who is in his 10th season in Hong Kong, ended Douglas Whyte’s 13-year-dominance of the championship when he won in 2013/14 but has had to settle for second to Moreira since.

His four winners on Sunday put him within four of Moreira who did not ride a winner on the card.

Three of Purton’s wins were for trainer Caspar Fownes with the other for John Moore.

“It’s a funny feeling. I have ridden four winners and I’m happy with that but I know there were some missed opportunities there too,” Purton said.

“Still, four winners eats into Joao’s lead and hopefully I can make the most of every chance I get over the next two months.”

The two riders are a long way ahead of the field with Moreira on 108, Purton on 104 and nearest rival Karis Teetan on 42.

Purton is also in demand for feature days in Australia and rode In Her Time to win the Group One Galaxy during the Sydney autumn carnival.