Zac Purton to ride Light Infantry in the Cox Plate

Champion Australian jockey Zac Purton has secured a highly coveted spring ride, partnering with the well-regarded international horse Light Infantry.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has granted Purton special clearance to return to Australia, where he will team up with the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained galloper for two elite races: the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes and the Group 1 Cox Plate.

Light Infantry, a four-year-old stallion trained in Europe by David Simcock, has had a noteworthy season, placing in three out of four runs at Group 1 level.

His performances include a second-place finish in the Prix D’Ispahan Stakes at Longchamp and third in the Queen Anne Stakes during the Royal Ascot meeting.

Light Infantry is now the equal favourite for the King Charles III Stakes at $4.00 with Ladbrokes, alongside Mr Brightside, and is priced as a $9.00 third elect for the Cox Plate.