Purton grew up in Coffs Harbour and started his apprenticeship under trainer Trevor Hardy as a 14-year-old, riding his first winner at Armidale in 2000.
So skilled was the young jockey that within just seven years, Hong Kong offered him a riding contract. Since then, his star has grown in one of world racing’s most competitive landscapes, with 2800 winners, 47 Group 1 wins, and eight Hong Kong premierships.
“Most jockeys worldwide aspire to be successful in Hong Kong, and proving myself on the world stage was important to me. It means a lot to be recognised by my peers, it is very humbling.” – Zac Purton
Purton sits comfortably among other jockey inductees of the modern era, such as Damien Oliver, Darren Beadman, Hugh Bowman, and Glen Boss.
Joining Tapp, Moody and Purton as inductees are two outstanding racehorses.
Mahogany could lay a strong claim to being the toughest and most versatile horse of the modern era. With eight Group 1 races to his name, he amazingly ran from 1000m to 2500m and from three to seven years of age, winning 19 of his 43 starts.