Zac Purton broke Joao Moreira’s record for wins in a season when the six-time champion jockey rode his 171st winner this term at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Fittingly, Magic Supreme was the galloper aboard whom Purton made Magic Man Moreira’s mark disappear from the record books, the Australian wizard conjuring an all-the-way triumph out of Manfred Man Ka-leung’s veteran in the Class Four Arculli Trophy (1,200m).

“It feels very satisfying,” Purton said after his record 171st win midway through the third-last meeting of the season.

“It’s been a long season, as they all are. At the start of the season, a specialist told me I needed to put my foot in a moon boot for three months and that I wasn’t allowed to put any weight on it. But here I am. I didn’t follow their advice, obviously.

“I rode the fastest 50 winners in a Hong Kong season, and it set me up to chase something like this. It was a brave call – and maybe a stupid one as well – to come out publicly, and I say I was going to.

“I’ve worked hard, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing all of the way. I lost focus through the mid-stage of the season. Once I cleared the fog and got my mind back on the job, I was behind in the run chase. I needed something to happen. Fortunately, the ball started bouncing my way. It’s continued to roll.

“I appreciate all the support I get. From the Jockey Club, which gave me the opportunity to come here, to the owners and trainers. Also, from the people behind the scenes – the mafoos, the barrier attendants and the track riders, who prepare the horses I race.

“It’s a team effort. I can stand up and collect the accolades, but I can’t do it without everyone who plays their part. Without their patience and support, I wouldn’t have been able to get to these numbers.”

On Thursday, Purton became the second jockey to reach the milestone of 1,600 career wins in Hong Kong. On Sunday, the Australian rider admitted Douglas Whyte’s tally of 1,813 victories was playing on his mind.

“If I have another good season next season, I won’t be too far off that,” Purton said. “It’s a little bit realistic, but at the end of the day, I’m getting a little bit older. It’s not as easy to get out of bed every day, and I have to listen to what my body tells me. My body will tell me how far I can go.”

Magic Supreme was the second leg of Purton’s four-timer at Sha Tin, with David Hall training two of his fellow Australian’s twilight quartet and John Size preparing his shortest-priced winner, Helios Express.

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Purton steered unbeaten Hall-trained griffin Ka Ying Victory to win the Purves Quaich (1,200m) with more than a degree of arrogance. Eight events later, they teamed up with Class Four Chow Silver Plate (1,600m) winner Flying Mojito for his second success.

Lucky Missile’s triumph under Luke Ferraris in the Class Five Wong Cup (1,600m) also contributed to Hall’s treble, while Francis Lui Kin-wai matched Purton’s four-timer. Sweet Briar, Golden Samurai and Call Me Dandy won consecutive races before Silver Sonic swooped to take the 11th and final contest.