Zac Purton to partner Land Legend in Melbourne Cup
Zac Purton has secured his ride for both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup, with the Hong Kong-based jockey confirmed to partner Land Legend in both races.
The announcement follows the Chris Waller-trained galloper’s impressive victory in last Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m).
The Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed the news in a press release, stating, “Jockey Purton will return to Hong Kong immediately following those race meetings to fulfil his riding engagements in Hong Kong.”
Land Legend is currently priced at $18 for the Melbourne Cup with online bookmakers, having drifted as far as $51 when markets first opened.
Following his Metropolitan win, the horse received a 1kg penalty, bringing his weight to 53kg for both Cups.
Racing Victoria’s head of handicapping, David Hegan, commented on the decision:
“Land Legend’s performance in the Metropolitan was most impressive, drawing away from the rest of the pack with runner-up, VRC Oaks winner Zardozi.
“Whilst it was only the narrowest of margins, it was a performance worthy of a penalty from a horse that was only third-up from almost a year off the scene.”
Hegan added that the 1kg penalty matches those given to No Compromise in 2022 and Montefilia in 2021 following their respective Metropolitan victories.
