Purton Aims to Establish My Wish as Hong Kong's Premier Miler in Sha Tin Trophy
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Champion jockey Zac Purton is hoping My Wish can take a decisive step towards becoming Hong Kong's premier miler when the six-year-old makes his seasonal reappearance in Monday's Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin Racecourse. Purton, who replaces the injured Hugh Bowman on My Wish, will take his first race ride on the Mark Newnham-trained gelding, which has trialled impressively in preparation for the campaign opener. The Hong Kong racing community watches with keen interest as last season's Group One Champions Mile winner aims to build on his established credentials. With three dominant dirt trial victories under his belt, My Wish appears primed for another standout season on the local circuit.
Key Points
- Zac Purton will ride My Wish in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy on Monday, replacing injured Hugh Bowman
- My Wish, trained by Mark Newnham, won last season's Group One Champions Mile over the same 1,600m distance
- The six-year-old has won each of his three dirt trials, demonstrating an impressive turn of foot ahead of his seasonal return
- Purton aims to help My Wish establish himself as Hong Kong's top miler following a heartbreaking The Everest defeat on Ka Ying Rising
- The Sha Tin Trophy marks My Wish's first competitive appearance of the new season at the 1,600m distance
Why It Matters
The Sha Tin Trophy serves as a crucial early-season barometer for Hong Kong's middle-distance elite, and My Wish's performance will determine whether he can maintain his status among the colony's premier milers against fresh competition. For Purton, a victory would provide a confidence boost after the disappointment of The Everest, while cementing his partnership with a horse capable of representing Hong Kong on the international stage .
The Sha Tin Trophy serves as a crucial early-season barometer for Hong Kong's middle-distance elite, and My Wish's performance will determine whether he can maintain his status among the colony's premier milers against fresh competition. For Purton, a victory would provide a confidence boost after the disappointment of The Everest, while cementing his partnership with a horse capable of representing Hong Kong on the international stage .