Zac Purton will look to fill a rare gap in a glittering portfolio of Hong Kong feature race successes when he partners Packing Hermod in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Friday (31 January).
The record-breaking jockey has ridden more winners in Hong Kong than any other in the jurisdiction’s history but the Hong Kong Classic Mile – the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – has so far eluded the seven-time champion in 15 attempts.
Purton finished second on Garlic Boy (2013) and Helene Feeling (2024) and also notched third places on Dibayani (2014), Beauty Generation (2017) and Packing Treadmill (2023).
The Australian intends to correct the anomaly aboard Packing Hermod, who he has ridden three times for three of the gelding’s four wins.
Explaining his decision to choose Packing Hermod for Friday’s feature, Purton said: “Firstly, I’ve had a lot to do with him, so I know him very well. I’ve always had a good opinion of him, Francis is a great trainer. He’s consistently been able to get his horses to perform, which is important.
“The owner (Roletta Lee Man Ching), I’ve had a lot of success with and get along with very well, and the horse has got a good record. Also, he’s the equal-highest rated horse in the race. I think that’s important as well when you get back to set weights.
“So, he ticks a lot of boxes and I think he’s capable at the distance. He looks like he’s a good chance.”