'ZAC 2000' - PURTON FLYING HIGH ON HIS NEXT MISSION

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, April 21, 2026

They allegedly can send man to the moon – Apollo 11. They can now send a spacecraft around the moon – Artemis 2.

Fact or Fiction? I will let you debate the ability to go to the moon. I just love numbers and statistics.

One thing that I can say as fact is the certainty of Zac Purton propelling himself towards another Hong Kong record as a jockey – the mission’s name is ‘Zac 2000’… that is posting 2000 winners in the Hong Kong Racing jurisdiction.

This record could stand for an eternity!

Currently, Zac Purton has ridden a total of 1,978 winners in Hong Kong.

Purton is the all-time leading jockey in Hong Kong history, having surpassed Douglas Whyte’s long-standing record of 1,813 wins in early 2025. He reached the significant milestone of 1,900 career wins in October 2025 aboard Talents Supremo at Happy Valley.

Purton began the 2025/26 season with 1,878 career wins. His career continues to be highlighted by his partnership with the champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising, who recently extended its winning streak to 19 consecutive victories by winning the G2 Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on 6 April 2026.

Purton is an eight-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey, having won the title in 2013/14, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25 – he will win again in the 2025/26 season as well with a massive lead over his nearest rival – Hugh Bowman.

In the current 2025/26 racing season (up to the race meeting on 21 April 2026), Purton's statistics are as follows:

Season Wins: 100
Total Rides: 507
Win Percentage: 20%
Stakes Won: $184,161,745

Purton’s legacy reached new heights when he was inducted into the 2025 Australian Racing Hall Of Fame, joining an elite group of riders whose achievements have shaped the sport across generations. It is an honour befitting a jockey who has rewritten record books in Hong Kong and flown the Australian flag with distinction on the world stage.

There will be more accolades to come — that much feels inevitable — but right now is the moment to celebrate everything he has already delivered.

Hong Kong racing loyalists and Australian fans alike should stand tall and cheer. This is a milestone not just for Zac Purton, but for everyone who has followed his extraordinary journey in the saddle.

A champion still writing his story – we just wait for this 2000 winners moment now.

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