From humble beginnings, Zac Purton has risen to become the most successful jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing and will add another chapter to his illustrious career when he becomes the first rider to notch 2,000 wins in the city.
With 1,995 victories to his name, the Australian superstar can reach the magical milestone as soon as Sunday’s final Group One meeting of the season at Sha Tin.
First, though, let’s take a look back at his journey to greatness and the highlights of his 18 years in Hong Kong.
The early struggles
Arriving in Hong Kong as a bright-eyed 24-year-old, Purton was thrust onto a star-studded riding roster featuring the likes of Douglas Whyte, Felix Coetzee, Brett Prebble, Darren Beadman, Gerald Mosse, Olivier Doleuze, Glen Boss, Christophe Soumillon and Shane Dye.
