![Zac Purton has booked his trip to Melbourne for Cup Day despite still searching for a Melbourne Cup ride. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2185493.jpg)
Hong Kong’s champion jockey Zac Purton has booked a plane ticket to Melbourne next month, even though he doesn’t have a Melbourne Cup ride.
It remains the trophy Purton covets above all others, and he will try to secure a Melbourne Cup ride in the coming weeks.
“I have a plane ticket and no ride at the moment, but we are working on getting one,” Purton said.
“I have won The Everest, but the Melbourne Cup is the race that every Australian jockey wants to win.
“And I want to be at Flemington on Cup Day this year.
“It is the race you dream of winning as a kid. It is very special.”
Purton could get down to 54kg or lower for the right ride in the Melbourne Cup and has been in contact with several trainers, including Joseph O’Brien in Ireland, trying to find a Cup ride.
Purton has become more focused on his legacy in the past couple of years, after setting the record for the most wins in Hong Kong. He has started to look at individual races he would like to win around the world before the end of his career.
The Hall Of Fame jockey flew into Sydney on Monday for the barrier trial of Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising.
It will reacquaint the defending Everest champion with Royal Randwick, which will be rated slow for Tuesday’s barrier trial.
“It is just a trial to have another look at Randwick and stretch his legs,” Purton said. “We’re not there to break records.
“We will save his best for raceday.”
Purton is looking forward to the morning, where the Australian Turf Club is putting on breakfast for punters.
“I have only taken heavier rides on Wednesday at Happy Valley, so I can enjoy a bacon and egg roll and coffee after the trial,” Purton said.
