Purton Returns from Indonesia to Defend Everest Crown Aboard Ka Ying Rising
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Australian jockey Zac Purton has returned from a vacation in Indonesia and is set to begin his preparation for the upcoming Hong Kong racing season, with his primary target being the exceptional Ka Ying Rising. The nine-time Group One winner, trained by David Hayes, will be Purton's mount for the season opening day at Sha Tin on September 6, where they will compete in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup over 1,200 metres. Following their Hong Kong campaign, the pair plans to travel to Australia in October to defend their A$20 million (HK$111.47 million) Group One The Everest title at Randwick.
Key Points
- Zac Purton has returned from a break in Indonesia and is targeting the September 6 season opener at Sha Tin
- Purton will ride David Hayes' nine-time Group One winner Ka Ying Rising in the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup (1,200m)
- The horse-jockey combination enters the new season having amassed an impressive 20-win streak together
- After the Hong Kong campaign, they will travel to Randwick in October to defend their A$20 million Everest crown
- Purton expressed excitement about riding Ka Ying Rising again, noting the horse looks great from recent videos
Why It Matters
Ka Ying Rising represents Hong Kong's premier racing talent, and Purton's commitment to the season opener signals the continued high quality of the local racing product. The horse's potential to secure further Group One victories could elevate Hong Kong's international standing in the racing world, while the Everest defence offers substantial prize money that benefits the entire stable operations .
Ka Ying Rising represents Hong Kong's premier racing talent, and Purton's commitment to the season opener signals the continued high quality of the local racing product. The horse's potential to secure further Group One victories could elevate Hong Kong's international standing in the racing world, while the Everest defence offers substantial prize money that benefits the entire stable operations .