Champion jockey Zac Purton is set to ride Autumn Boy in Saturday’s $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick, aiming to secure a major victory in the highly anticipated 1500-meter race. The Hong Kong-based rider reunited with trainer Chris Waller ahead of the event, reflecting on their shared progression despite spending much of their careers separated by more than 7,000 kilometers.
Purton acknowledged Waller’s rise to prominence since his departure for Hong Kong in 2007, noting that the Australian trainer had yet to claim a Group 1 win at that time. “To see what he has done over the years and get to where he is now, he is just a powerhouse,” Purton said, praising Waller’s meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of his horses.
The upcoming race features a notable rivalry between Autumn Boy and the mare Sheza Alibi, who holds a 3-1 advantage over the four-year-old colt from their four past encounters. Purton indicated that while Sheza Alibi is an exceptional competitor, he remains confident in Autumn Boy’s abilities.
“She’s obviously an outstanding horse and has a very good record head to head with Autumn Boy,” Purton said. “It’s not going to be easy, I will mostly be guided by how Chris would like me to ride the horse but I’ll certainly have a few things in mind and up my sleeve as well. He is honest, puts himself in the right spot and is always there. It’s just a matter of unlocking a bit more of the key to him and having a race run to suit him. He is certainly good enough.”
Ahead of Saturday’s race, Purton travelled to Rosehill Gardens to acquaint himself with Autumn Boy’s form and temperament. He plans to remain in Australia following the Golden Eagle, with the prospect of riding in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup on the horizon.
The Golden Eagle, one of Australia’s richest races, draws significant attention within the racing community as top-tier horses compete for a substantial purse and prestige at Royal Randwick. The collaboration between Purton and Waller highlights the enduring connections in the racing world, bridging continents and careers as they pursue excellence on the track.