On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 4:50 PM, the spotlight shines on reigning champion jockey Zac Purton, who continues to dominate the Hong Kong racing scene with remarkable achievements. By Wally Pyrah, this report highlights Purton's latest milestone and his ambitious pursuit of further records.
Purton's Milestone Victory and Record Ambitions
Zac Purton, affectionately known as the Zac-Man, secured his 100th winner of the season last Sunday at Sha Tin, marking the 11th time he has reached this impressive milestone in the city. This victory underscores his consistent excellence and sets the stage for his next target: breaking the record for the most wins by a jockey in Hong Kong.
Currently, Purton already holds the title as the winning-most jockey in the jurisdiction and is rapidly approaching the 2000-win mark. With a strong lineup of seven rides scheduled at Happy Valley, he is poised to reduce that deficit significantly by the end of the day's events.
Key Race: Horsepower in the Kalanchoe Handicap
One of Purton's most notable rides is aboard Horsepower in the five-furlong Kalanchoe Handicap at 2:45 PM. This race is anticipated to be highly competitive, with multiple gallopers in strong form, making luck a potential deciding factor in the outcome.
The Frankie Lor stable, which recently ended a cold streak with a winner ridden by Purton at Sha Tin, hopes for a repeat performance with Horsepower. This son of Harry Angel showed a return to near-best form in his last start, where he navigated through the field from a double-figure draw but narrowly missed catching rival Bunta Baby.
This time, starting from gate two, Horsepower is expected to have a more efficient journey. With a seven-pound advantage over the previous winner, he is well-positioned to secure victory and exact revenge.
Competition and Predictions
While dangers abound in the race, including Together We Value, who finished alongside Horsepower in fourth place behind Bunta Baby, the draw is less favorable for that contender. As such, Horsepower remains the preferred choice for success in this thrilling contest.
In summary, Zac Purton's relentless drive and strategic rides, particularly with Horsepower, highlight his ongoing impact on Hong Kong racing as he edges closer to historic records.
