HONG KONG: Purton Returns In Top Form

Tuesday, 26 June 2012: Australian jockey Zac Purton capped the biggest week of his career with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday to reach a new personal best in Hong Kong.

Zac Purton Photo by Racing and Sports

Purton was back at Sha Tin in top form after his Royal Ascot triumph in the G1 King's Stand Stakes on Hong Kong sprinter Little Bridge.

"A fantastic end to what's been a fantastic week," Purton declared after the treble took him to 56 wins for the season, his best in the five years since he began riding in Hong Kong.

Sunday's treble was made up of two two winners for Dennis Yip and one for Little Bridge's trainer Danny Shum.

Purton said Little Bridge's King's Stand Stakes victory was the highlight of his career and an achievement he was still coming to terms with.

"I didn't realise how big a deal it was and it has been non-stop ever since with phone calls and texts. Amazing,": Purton told the South China Morning Post.

"I think I've got to the point now where people are thinking of me more when it comes to giving me a chance on top horses in the bigger races.

"I'm getting results, so hopefully that's going to spill over into the Group Ones next season."

Purton has forged a strong liaison with the Yip stable this season after rarely riding for the trainer in his four previous seasons.

The pair have combined 53 times this season for 11 wins.