Kiwi gallopers and Karaka graduates combined to win 7 of the 10 races when Hong Kong launched its new season on Sunday.

Planet (Gold Mine) opened proceedings in the Tim Mei Hcp (1200m) for trainer Danny Shum and he was followed by Namjong Hunter (Bertolini) and Joy and Fun (Cullen) in the Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m).  

Joy and Fun is trained by Derek Cruz and he also has a Group 3 to his credit in the G3 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan.

Cruz said Joy and Fun will bow out this season but not before a final tilt at international level in the G1 Cathay Pacific Sprint in December.

Master Key (Storm Creek) and Smart Giant (Pins) also carried the (NZ) suffix to victories as did the Encosta de Lago winners Victory Mascot and Champagne Days.

NZ Bloodstock provided 9 stakes winning graduates in Hong Kong last season.  They included Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (Pins) and Champion Miler Beauty Flash (Golan).