Zac Purton was straight into the winning groove in front of a sold-out Sha Tin crowd on Sunday aboard WA-bred gelding Lucky Eight.
They didn’t come to see Lucky Eight. He was one of the opening acts for Hong Kong’s star sprinter Ka Ying Rising but played his part while leading at every call in the Beat The Clock Hcp (1200m).
Two hours later Purton raised the roof partnering Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) to create history in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m). It was his 17th win in a row to equal the long-standing record held by Silent Witness (El Moxie).
Lucky Eight (7g Pride Of Dubai – Hussy Five Oh by Husson) was winning for the fifth time and has now earned the equivalent of AUD1.52 million since a first-up victory under Karis Teetan in the Spessartine Garnet Hcp (1200m). “His raw ability is there for all to see,” Yiu declared. “He’s got a very good mindset which is most important for a sprinter.”
WA-bred sprinter Lucky Eight opens his Hong Kong account under Karis Teeton at Sha Tin / Photo: SCMP
Yui bought him for $180,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Sale after he had been pinhooked for $80,000 from Western Breeders Alliance at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions. WBA sold him as a yearling as agent for Woodbridge Thoroughbreds owner Ian Riley.
Riley paid $47,500 for Hussy Five Oh at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Broodmare Sale when she was carrying Lucky Eight and he has three of her daughters continuing the line. “Magnalee (Magnus) won at Ascot and she’s in foal off a maiden cover to Marine One,” Riley reported this week.
“Riveting Rosie (Magnus) won her maiden at Pinjarra before being sidelined with an infection. She’s back in work and ready to step out with David Harrison. And our third daughter Five Star Hussy (Rommel) is a 2yo and, being a big filly, she won’t be rushed by Dan and Ben Pearce.
Pearce Racing also prepares WA Champion 2yo Filly Talkanco (I’m All The Talk) and her multiple city-winning half-brother Richanco (Rich Enuff) for Riley and his partner Rachelle Huckson. Their dam Calianco (California Dane) cost $52,500 at the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions Broodmare Sale.
Calianco won three sprints in Adelaide and is a half-sister to Caulfield Group winners Blur (Flying Spur) and Shrewd Rhythm (Danehill Dancer). She delivered a Rich Enuff filly in October for the Henley Brook couple and is back in foal to Capitalist.
