Purton Crowned HK Champion Jockey

[Wandering Eyes]

After a thrilling end-of-season duel between jockeys Zac Purton and three-time Hong Kong champion jockey Joao ‘Magic Man’ Moreira, the former held a two-win advantage as the curtain fell on the final day of the Hong Kong season. Purton edged Moreira with 136 victories versus the Brazilian’s 134. Purton took the lead on June 10, and, although Moreira made up some late ground to narrow the deficit, Purton’s score with Rise High (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire})-formerly Landfall in his native land–in the Class 1 Sha Tin Mile Trophy H. over 1600 metres sealed his victory on Sunday, four years after his first jockeys’ championship. Moreira is on the move to Japan next season.

“It’s been a long, damp day,” Purton told the HKJC’s Andrew Hawkins, as he returned to the jockeys’ room in the moments after claiming victory. “It’s good to finally put it to bed, it’s a relief. Joao’s a fierce competitor and we both gave it our absolute all. It’s what everyone expected, that it would come down to the last four races, and I feel like I can finally enjoy the rest of the day now that it’s over.”

Trainer John Size was the leading trainer for the 10th time on Sunday, with 87 wins, 22 to the good of trainer Frankie Lor. Derek Leung was named the Tony Cruz Award winner for the second consecutive year, as the leading homegrown rider. Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) became the Most Admired Overseas Horse one year after her first title.

Racing in Hong Kong will resume on Sunday, Sept. 2.

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