Champion jockey Zac Purton is relishing the opportunity to pit himself against the world’s top riders as he seeks a record fourth LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) title on Wednesday night (10 December).

The winner of the Happy Valley spectacular in 2017, 2020 and 2021 sits 27 wins clear at the top of the domestic jockeys’ standings as he pursues a ninth Hong Kong jockey championship. But the annual pilgrimage of the global elite to compete in the HK$1 million LONGINES IJC provides Purton with a different challenge.

“It’s great to mix with and measure myself against the best jockeys from around the world,” Purton said, adding that he also values the camaraderie the event fosters.

“They’re all familiar faces to me. Obviously, from afar, we get to keep an eye on what’s happening in world racing. They might be riding a horse that’s had a great season, and you get to ask them about their journey on that horse, because we all love racing and admire the best horses, the best jockeys and the best trainers,” he added.

While Purton acknowledges the atmosphere surrounding the build-up to the contest is relatively convivial, he remains a laser-focused competitor who will set aside the niceties and go all out to become the most successful rider in the history of the LONGINES IJC.

To that end, the Australian believes local competitors have an edge over the visitors to Happy Valley: “I think that we do have an advantage being based here and riding at the track every week. We’re very familiar with it. We know all the nuances to it,” he said. “We know the horses that we’re competing against as well. At the same time, if you don’t draw the right horses, you can’t be competitive.

“You don’t just need the right horses, you need the right barrier. And at Happy Valley you need so many things to go right in the run as well to give yourself a chance,” he added.