ZAC PURTON'S STEADY MARCH TOWARDS THE MILESTONE MARK OF 2000 WINNERS IN HONG KONG

By Darren Winningham | Monday, December 15, 2025

Zac Purton, the eight-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey reached a notable mark on October 22, 2025, when he steered the Danny Shum-trained Talents Supremo to victory at Happy Valley—his 1,900th Hong Kong win.

Since then, the tally has only grown.

After a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday, two of these at Group 1 level - Purton now stands at 1,926 wins. With 48 victories already banked this season, and having posted 138 wins last season, simple mathematics suggests the milestone is not just possible—it’s highly probable—by the close of the 2025/26 season.

The question is no longer if Zac Purton will reach 2,000.

How fast can he do it!

And perhaps even more intriguing, how will the Hong Kong Jockey Club honour him this time?

What Gift Fits a Giant?

The HKJC has marked Purton’s great moments with thoughtful mementos:

After he surpassed Whyte’s record ... a ceremonial bell.

After win No. 1900: a commemorative bottle of wine and a set of personalised silks.

But 2,000 wins?

WINNO’s research offered two symbolic possibilities:

1. The Dragon – Year 2000

The zodiac for the number 2000 is the Metal Dragon—a symbol of power, courage, and accomplishment.

A silver or golden dragon sculpture could capture the majesty of both the man and the moment.

2. The Fire Horse – Year 2026

The Chinese zodiac for 2026—the year Purton is likely to hit 2,000—is the Fire Horse, a symbol associated with unstoppable energy, passion, and success.

A blazing golden or silver horse statue, with Purton in racing pose, would be a fitting tribute to the rider who has defined an era.

Either would be worthy of the achievement. Both would become instant Hong Kong racing treasures.

Even Purton himself allows a rare glimpse of anticipation.

“It’s possible (to reach 2,000 winners) as long as I stay fit and healthy," said Purton.

"There’s no doubt that I can get to it, so hopefully I can get to it as quick as I can because it’s a very big number. It gives me something to think about and some direction for the next few months of the season.”

This is a rider who has already dominated Hong Kong racing for more than a decade— yet still hungers for more.

The Inevitable Becoming Reality

The crowds at Sha Tin have watched Purton chase record after record, season after season. But this one feels different.

This one feels final. Definitive. Historic.

When Purton crosses the line for the 2,000th time in Hong Kong, it won’t simply be another victory. It will be the moment the sport acknowledges what is possible.

History may well stand and applaud.

Hong Kong will once again celebrate the hero who has redefined its racing history forever.

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