Purton delivers on Massive Sovereign in Hong Kong Derby for the ages
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Zac Purton claims his second Hong Kong Derby victory riding Massive Sovereign, ending a streak of placings in the prestigious race. Starting as the second favorite, Purton made a brilliant ride, coming from second last to surge to the front in the final 50m. The overall time of 1:59.85 was the fastest in a Derby since it was switched to 2,000m in 2000. Purton expressed his relief and honor to win the race, considering it the most prestigious race in Hong Kong. Massive Sovereign, previously known as Broadhurst, won the Derby at just his second Hong Kong start. Purton finished the Sha Tin meeting with a treble. The jockey had fallen short with six placings in the Derby since his only win in 2015. The winning horse is trained by Dennis Yip Chor-hong. Purton had not locked in a Derby ride until Massive Sovereign's first-up win on March 3. The horse has shown great potential and a good attitude since arriving in Hong Kong. The jockey also acknowledged the tactics of Andrea Atzeni on Ka Ying Generation, who finished third. The race took place on March 24, 2024.
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