Zac Purton has secured his rides for the upcoming Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, with the Hong Kong-based jockey confirmed to partner Land Legend in both races.
This follows the Chris Waller-trained galloper’s impressive victory in last Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m).
The Hong Kong Jockey Club made the announcement on Tuesday, stating:
“Jockey Purton will return to Hong Kong immediately following those race meetings to fulfil his riding engagements in Hong Kong.”
Land Legend, who was initially priced at $51 for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) with horse racing bookmakers, has now shortened to $18 after the Metropolitan win.
The horse was also handed a 1kg penalty, bringing his weight to 53 kilograms in both Cups.
Racing Victoria’s head of handicapping, David Hegan, commented on Land Legend’s performance:
“Land Legend’s performance in the Metropolitan was most impressive, drawing away from the rest of the pack with runner-up, VRC Oaks winner Zardozi.
“Whilst it was only the narrowest of margins, it was a performance that was worthy of a penalty from a horse that was only third-up from almost a year off the scene.”
The 1kg penalty mirrors that given to previous Metropolitan winners No Compromise (2022) and Montefilia (2021).
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