1000 winner HK milestone for Zac Purton

EX-pat Australian Zac Purton has become the second jockey to reach 1000 winners in Hong Kong.

Australian ex-pat jockey Zac Purton has become the second rider in Hong Kong history to reach 1000 wins.

His victory on Thanks Forever at Sha Tin on Saturday brought up the milestone with the now-retired Douglas Whyte, who rode 1813 over 23 seasons in Hong Kong, the only jockey to ride more.

Purton’s 1000 comes 10 weeks after he surpassed Tony Cruz’s 948 wins to move to clear second on the all-time list.

“It’s nice. It’s a nice milestone,” Purton said.

Purton is in his 12th season in Hong Kong and well clear of Joao Moreira in his bid to defend the premiership.

“A thousand winners is just amazing,” Thanks Forever’s trainer John Moore told the HK Jockey Club.

“Zac’s one of the world’s top jocks and to ride the 1000th winner on one of mine was a great thrill for both myself and the stable. Kick on, Zac!”

He rode 136 winners last season and finished Saturday on 146 and 1001 after riding the Moore-trained Empire Star later in the program.

Purton is now chasing Moreira’s Hong Kong season record of 170.