AUSTRALIAN jockey Zac Purton stood high in the irons to give a victory salute after steering Fair Trade to victory at Sunday’s opening meeting of the Hong Kong season at Sha Tin.
Purton guided the eight-year-old home for his first win since February 2010 in the Cotton Tree Handicap (1400m) with the success drawing a celebration worthy of a Group I race.
Purton said winning on Fair Trade was especially satisfying considering the Australian-bred galloper’s lengthy injury record, which has provided trainer Caspar Fownes with plenty of headaches.
“I just know the frustrations and how much heartbreak there’s been for Caspar and the horse’s owner with Fair Trade, and how much work has gone into getting him here,” Purton told the South China Morning Post.
“He’s travelled like that before and not carried it through so I wasn’t counting my chickens and I didn’t want to ask him too early on the firm ground
“When I did press, he gave me the kick I was looking for.”
Fair Trade’s success completed a double for Purton, who steered Cerise Cherry home to win the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m).
Fair Trade (Danewin x Villa Igea) was bred and raced by Wingrove Park’s Joe & Daira Vella – recording two Flemington victories from as many starts prior to being sold to Hong Kong.
Article Courtesy: Racenet ©