Zac Purton created history on Sunday by becoming the first jockey to ride 2,000 winners in Hong Kong, reaching the milestone in the first race of the day at Sha Tin.

The Australian guided Rising World to victory in the Hong Kong Wu Hua General Association Cup Plate, just holding off a late charge by Almighty Warrior and jockey Ethan Brown to win by a short head.

From humble beginnings after arriving in Hong Kong as a bright-eyed 24-year-old in 2007, Purton has risen to become the city’s most successful jockey, winning eight championships and breaking multiple records along the way.

“When I reflect back upon it and look at some of those great moments I’ve had in my career, it truly is amazing,” Purton said. “I’ve been truly fortunate. Of course I couldn’t do anything without the support I get from the owners and trainers. Hong Kong’s been such a great place for me.”

Purton celebrated the historic moment with his wife Nicole and their children, daughter Roxy and son Cash.

“At least I’m not going to have to go home tonight to Cash saying ‘why didn’t you have a winner today, daddy?’ So we’ve had the winner and he’s got the trophy, so job done,” Purton said.