Australian jockey Zac Purton, a five-time premiership winner in Hong Kong, has announced that a decision regarding his future in horse racing will be made next week, following Sunday’s Champions Day meeting in Hong Kong.
Purton’s recent Group 1 success in Sydney has sparked rumors of a potential permanent return to his home country.
“We’ve had some discussions with the (Hong Kong Jockey) Club and I won’t talk about what they were, but I feel like things have gone well there,” Purton told Racing.com on Wednesday.
“I’ll make that announcement next week.”
In the meantime, Purton is set to participate in all three G1 races at Sha Tin on Sunday.
He will partner with Japanese galloper Prognosis in the G1 QEII Cup (2000m), where they will face tough competition from top British horse Dubai Honour and local middle-distance star Romantic Warrior.
Despite Prognosis’ underdog status, Purton remains optimistic, stating that the horse’s good form and skilled trainer could make him competitive in the race.
Purton will also continue his association with California Spangle in Sunday’s G1 Champions Mile, the latest chapter in his rivalry with Hong Kong’s champion, Golden Sixty.
Though Purton has expressed some disappointment with California Spangle’s recent performances, trainer Tony Cruz has insisted that the horse must lead the race.
Lastly, Purton’s best chance for a G1 win on Champions Day might come with Lucky Sweynesse in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
Purton praised the horse’s form and believes that a good start will give them a strong chance at victory.
