Purton eyes fourth jockeys gong at Happy Valley showcase
Champion jockey Zac Purton is relishing the opportunity to pit himself against the world’s top riders as he seeks a record fourth International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) title on Wednesday night (10 December).
The winner of the Happy Valley spectacular in 2017, 2020 and 2021 sits 27 wins clear at the top of the domestic jockeys’ standings as he pursues a ninth Hong Kong jockey championship. But the annual pilgrimage of the global elite to compete in the HK$1 million IJC provides Purton with a different challenge.
“It’s great to mix with and measure myself against the best jockeys from around the world,” Purton said, adding that he also values the camaraderie the event fosters.
“They’re all familiar faces to me. Obviously, from afar, we get to keep an eye on what’s happening in world racing. They might be riding a horse that’s had a great season, and you get to ask them about their journey on that horse, because we all love racing and admire the best horses, the best jockeys and the best trainers,” he added.
While Purton acknowledges the atmosphere surrounding the build-up to the contest is relatively convivial, he remains a laser-focused competitor who will set aside the niceties and go all out to become the most successful rider in the history of the IJC.
To that end, the Australian believes local competitors have an edge over the visitors to Happy Valley.
“I think that we do have an advantage being based here and riding at the track every week. We’re very familiar with it. We know all the nuances to it,” he said.
“We know the horses that we’re competing against as well. At the same time, if you don’t draw the right horses, you can’t be competitive.
“You don’t just need the right horses, you need the right barrier. And at Happy Valley you need so many things to go right in the run as well to give yourself a chance,” he added.
This year’s event is set to be one of the most fiercely contested editions in recent memory, featuring seven former IJC champions.
Ryan Moore returned to racing in the UK last week after recovering from a stress fracture to his leg. He is now set to make his 19th appearance at the competition, bolstering an already formidable line-up, which features the top four riders in the World’s Best Jockey standings: James McDonald, defending champion Mickael Barzalona, William Buick and Moore.
Hugh Bowman, Hollie Doyle, Vincent Ho, Rachel King, Joao Moreira, Christophe Lemaire and Umberto Rispoli complete the field of 12 competitors for the annual showcase.
The jockey challenge is part of the build-up to the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 14r.
Purton will have a big role to play on that day; one of the highlights of this year’s HKIR is set to be his mount Ka Ying Rising’s bid to defend his HK$28 million G1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) crown. He also rides the well-fancied Voyage Bubble in the HK$36 million G1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m).
