Cover Zac Purton (Photo: Supplied)
Zac Purton (Photo: Supplied)
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Star jockey Zac Purton paints a vivid picture of what life was like living at the Jockey Club residences in Sha Tin during the pandemic, and why, unlike other jockeys, he’s here for the long haul
Envision is a series designed to bring hope to Hongkongers amid the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic. Each week, Tatler publishes letters of encouragement and messages of positivity from the city’s most influential leaders in the realms of art, culture, business and sport. These deeply personal first-person accounts from the community can be read as love letters to Hong Kong. With restrictions easing, the series inspires and serves as a reminder that we’re all in this together, and that we will bounce back stronger than ever.
Zac Purton. You know the name. The Australian jockey, 39, is a legend in Hong Kong for his talent and tenacity, which has kept him at the top of the ranks for over a decade in the horse racing world. As the highest-rated and best-paid jockey in the city, the athlete is no stranger to pressure or tough times. But all that glitters is definitely not gold. While the pandemic brought on strict restrictions for Hong Kong citizens, the rules for jockeys were even more restrictive. Purton gives a sneak peek into his life during the height of the pandemic, and what that meant for his mental health.
May 17, 2022
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) placed us jockeys under even tougher restrictions than those government implemented for the wider community. Though the HKJC gives back plenty to the community in the form of charitable donations, they are Hong Kong’s single biggest tax payer. Last season that amount totalled HK$25 billion, so not only were the jockeys willing to go the extra mile to keep racing going, society needed us to do so as well. It comes at an enormous mental cost for us, though.
Most of the jockeys live on the racecourse here at Sha Tin so, in some ways, it was actually easier to set up and control our bubble. But, the truth is, we weren’t allowed past the front gate except for medical emergencies or unless we were given special permission. The only time we were able to go anywhere was to Happy Valley for the races on Wednesday nights. Afterwards, we had to immediately return to home base.
We had to get groceries and necessities delivered to us, and they had to be dropped off at the front gate with security. Even though all the jockeys live in two buildings here, we were getting PCR tests done every day. We weren’t allowed to visit each other’s apartments either. The kids were off school, and home schooling, as we all know, is difficult. It was difficult for the kids and difficult for us.
Maintaining our fitness was also an issue as gyms were closed. We weren’t allowed to work with our personal trainers or do any other classes like yoga or Pilates. The club does employ a full-time physiotherapist who is based here on course, so at least we could get some treatment which was a huge help, but it’s just not the same as what we would normally do to maintain our bodies.
[Managing during the pandemic] was very frustrating, very draining and extremely difficult physically and mentally, so much so that one jockey has decided to leave already after only arriving in February, and another jockey has made the decision to leave at the end of the season in July.
My family loves Hong Kong for its fast pace, bright lights, and social and restaurant scene. To have all that taken away from us—and for so long—did made us think about whether we should stay, but Hong Kong is our home and we love it here.
[Now that restrictions are easing] I’m most looking forward to being able to catch up with my friends again and enjoy the great food we have in the city. We’re spoilt here; something that becomes even more apparent when we’re able to travel abroad. The quality of our service and the food is the best in the world. I’m also keen to get back out on the golf course or onto a boat in the summer. I want to trek my way through the great hikes we have in the country parks. Hong Kong is so much more than a concrete jungle: it’s the perfect place to eat, drink, play and enjoy. Hong Kong will bounce back soon; I’m sure of that. —Zac Purton
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As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
