New season, same Zac Purton.

The seven-time champion Hong Kong jockey made an early statement at Sunday’s season opener at Sha Tin, booting home a four-timer as he continues his pursuit of Douglas Whyte’s all-time record.

Purton started the card on fire with victories aboard Go Go Go, Ka Ying Rising and Fast Network in the first four races.

The 41-year-old capped his day with an outstanding ride on Gorgeous Win in the last event, helping the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained gelding overcome barrier 12 to claim the Class Three Sunset Peak Handicap (1,200m).

“It’s a good day and good start. Hopefully it sets the tone for the rest of the season,” Purton said after moving to within 69 winners of Whyte’s record.

“It just comes down to the opportunities you get and how well the horses are prepared. You can’t come here with a lofty goal, you’ve just got to get back into the system and let it play itself out.”

Go Go Go kick-started Purton’s big day with victory in the opener, the Class Five Kowloon Peak Handicap (1,600m).

“The last time I won the first race of the season, I broke the record for most number of wins in a season, so let’s hope history repeats,” Purton said, referring to his 179 wins in the 2022-23 campaign.

Ka Ying Rising confirmed he was on track for Group One goals later this season with an outstanding return in Sunday’s feature, the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m).

Fast Network was another impressive winner, maintaining his unbeaten record at start two with a superb performance in the Class Four Lantau Peak Handicap (1,000m).

Backing up his imposing debut win in June, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding made light work of top weight of 135 pounds and overcame a slow start to prove too slick for his rivals.

Purton had Fast Network poised to strike, trailing tearaway leader Cheval Valiant until making his move to take the lead at the 150m. He powered clear in the concluding stages to beat Cheval Valiant by a length and a half.

Britney Wong Po-ni made an impression in her Hong Kong debut, with the apprentice finishing third on Glorious Expert for her boss, David Hall.

Purton lauded Fast Network after he justified $1.8 favouritism in his return.

“I thought it was a good effort. He did well,” Purton said.

“He got bumped a bit at the start and he had to regain his balance, but he always travelled like the winner and he was pretty soft to the line.”

Yip said the four-year-old could be tested over further ground later this season, but will be kept to short-course sprints for now.

“At this moment, I think he races very well over 1,000m and I’ll keep him at that distance,” Yip said.

“Zac only used the whip twice and he carried 135 pounds. He’s a very nice horse and he keeps improving.”

The season opener was also fruitful for Shum, who bagged a brace courtesy of Harmony N Home in the second section of the Class Four Ma On Shan Handicap (1,400m) and Gorgeous Win.