Zac Purton smiles in the pre-race parade on Saturday (HKJC Photos)
Australian jockey Zac Purton has fired back at critics after facing a wave of online abuse following superstar horse Ka Ying Rising’s shock defeat in The Everest.
The Hong Kong champion was sent out as the overwhelming favourite in Saturday’s $20 million race at Sydney’s Randwick, but finished second behind outsider Tempted in a result that stunned racing fans and punters.
The defeat ended Ka Ying Rising’s remarkable 21-race winning streak, with the champion sprinter falling just half a neck short of victory.
But much of the backlash was directed at Purton, with some punters questioning his tactics after the horse was held back early before making a late charge.
Purton defended his ride, arguing that the wide barrier draw and the blistering early pace left him with few options.
“That’s Australia; everyone has an opinion,” he said. “They shoot from the hip before they digest it properly.”
The jockey also suggested the outcome could have been different with a better starting position, saying the barrier draw had played a major role in the result.
Ka Ying Rising had drawn barrier 11 and was forced to race wide, while Tempted enjoyed a much more favourable run from barrier one under jockey Chad Schofield.
Despite the defeat, Purton maintained his mount had performed strongly and said he would not have changed his approach.
The result was particularly painful for punters who had backed Ka Ying Rising as the final leg of multi bets, with the short-priced favourite widely expected to win.
Sources: Nine News
