Zac Purton has fired back with a sharp dose of humour after Maureen Haggas launched a scathing critique of his ride aboard Lake Forest in last Saturday’s King Charles III Stakes at Randwick.

Haggas, assistant trainer and wife of leading British handler William Haggas, told Racing TV she was “appalled” by the performance and said Purton produced “about the worst ride I’ve seen in my entire life”. She further accused Purton of ignoring instructions and failing to motivate the horse early enough in the straight.

In a strongly-worded assessment, Haggas argued Lake Forest “never had a race” and expressed disappointment given the significant investment to travel as far as Australia. She suggested the level of jockeyship in England, Ireland and France remained above what the stable experienced last weekend — comments that quickly reached Purton in Hong Kong.

Speaking to Gareth Hall on SENTrack’s Giddy Up program, Purton responded with a cheeky smile.

“I thank her for her advice,” he said. “I haven’t had time to watch the replay, yet, because I’ve been too busy watching replays of myself winning the $20 million Everest.”

Purton made clear he wasn’t rattled by the remarks, though he admitted he was “a little bit bemused” at Haggas’s interpretation of the race. He explained his tactical reasoning: he tracked Ceolwulf — who went on to win — believing he had positioned Lake Forest behind the right horse. The response he expected from beneath him never came.

“As soon as they quickened, my horse just went up and down on the one spot,” Purton said. “He gave me no response at all.”

For Purton, the criticism is part of elite-level racing — big-money travel brings big-time expectations. But his counterpoint shifts the focus to an often-overlooked reality: sometimes a horse doesn’t fire, regardless of tactics or instruction.

“I’m a little bit bemused at her take on the race, but she’s entitled to that, no problem.”

Haggas went all-in on the rider. Purton pointed firmly back at the horse.

The truth may sit somewhere in between: international raiders are expected to instantly acclimatise, adapt and perform against hardened locals — and jockeys become the easiest target when they don’t.

For now, both camps move forward. Lake Forest is set to regroup. Purton will continue collecting major wins. But the war of words ensures this trip to Sydney will be remembered less for the race itself — and more for what was said afterwards.