Eustace and Purton Shine at Sha Tin

Definitive has continued David Eustace’s bright start to the Hong Kong season with a decisive breakthrough at Class 2 level at Sha Tin, while champion jockey Zac Purton added another extraordinary landmark to a record that already stands alone in the jurisdiction. The New Zealand-bred son of War Decree was given a beautifully judged ride by Karis Teetan in Sunday’s HK$3.12 million Class 2 Muk Min Ha Handicap over 1650m on the all-weather track, settling immediately behind leader Sing Dragon after beginning cleanly from barrier seven before applying pressure approaching the turn and taking command around the 400m. From there Definitive quickly established a winning advantage and went on to defeat Talents Ambition by 2.25l in 1:38.00, with Sky Vino filling third. According to racenet.com.au, Teetan felt the race was already unfolding ideally when the gelding jumped cleanly and secured his preferred position, with the light 52kg impost allowing him to travel comfortably before producing his best when asked. Eustace was equally satisfied with the execution and indicated Definitive could return to Happy Valley, where he has previously won three times, after the handicapper reassesses him following his first success in Class 2. The victory was Eustace’s fifth of the new campaign and followed Colourful King’s Gr3 success in the National Day Cup only days earlier, further strengthening the Australian trainer’s early-season record in his third Hong Kong campaign. Definitive began his career in New Zealand as Revolt after being purchased for NZ$50,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale and has steadily developed into a useful Hong Kong performer since joining Eustace. The meeting also delivered another milestone for Purton when Lady’s Love won the Class 4 Sham Tseng Handicap over 1400m, giving the nine-time champion jockey his 1,100th victory on the Sha Tin turf. Purton had earlier scored aboard KOL for David Hayes and finished the programme with a double, taking his season tally to 14 and opening a six-win advantage at the top of the 2026-27 jockeys’ premiership. The Australian has now ridden more than 2,000 winners in Hong Kong since arriving for the 2007-08 season, and while another numerical landmark belonged to Purton, the feature belonged emphatically to Definitive and a Eustace stable again making its presence felt.

David Eustace is off and running (pic: hkjc.com)