Progressive Shamus Award gelding Bottomuptogether scored his fourth win from just eight starts at Happy Valley on Wednesday night to help Australian rider Zac Purton get closer to a long-standing record.
Zac Purton has edged closer to making Hong Kong racing history after drawing to within three wins of matching Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813 victories.
The seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey slotted a double on Bottomuptogether and Kasa Papa to take his overall tally in Hong Kong to 1,810, leaving Purton poised to overtake 13-time Hong Kong champion Whyte’s tally this Sunday at Sha Tin when the Australian partners Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m).
Trained by Frankie Lor, Bottomuptogther charged late to snare a half length win in the Class 2 sprint over 1000m as favourite.
“He’s nice horse, he always gives his best. It was a good win, first time at Happy Valley. There was plenty of pressure early, so he had to deal with a lot and he got it done,” Purton said.
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from Rosemont Stud for Clarken Bloodstock, Bottomuptogether won a barrier trial at Gawler before being sold to Hong Kong and has been super consistent with four wins and three placings from eight starts.
“I have thought he looks like a Group horse, but he’s still not strong enough. He’s only 1,050 pounds. If he can build to maybe 1,100 (lb), he should be better. Anyway, he’s got gate speed and at this moment, 1000m and 1200m should be suitable for him,” said Frankie Lor.
Bottomuptogther is a full brother to Group III winner Ethical Solution and is one of five winners from seven to race from South African Group III winner Miss Ethics (SAfr).
She has a yearling filly by Shamus Award and after slipping in 2023 is back in foal to him again.
