New Zealand bred horses enjoyed a highly successful night at Sha Tin on Sunday winning five events on the 10-race card.

Little Bridge (Faltaat) and Thumbs Up (Shinko King) led the charge with G2 victories in the Cathay Pacific Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) and Cathay Pacific Jockey Club Cup (2000m) respectively.

Little Bridge (Faltaat) is trained by Danny Shum and, after being prominent at the top of the straight, held off Kiwi gelding Entrapment (Halo Homewrecker) to win by three quarters of a length.

“We trained him for the Hong Kong Derby last year,” said Shum.  “He wasn’t able to get the trip and after the race he was exhausted so we gave him a good long break and he’s come back so well.

“This year he looks fantastic and he’s been improving race by race.  Now I hope we can win the G1 Hong Kong Sprint in December.”

The victory was Little Bridge’s second at black-type level after winning the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1400m) in January.

Bred by Llanhennock Trust, Little Bridge was purchased by Margaret Harkema from Wentwood Grange at NZ Bloodstock’s 2007 National weanling sale for $9,000.  He has now won HK$7.41 million for owner Benson Lo Tak Wing.

Thumbs Up is trained by Casper Fownes and his career card includes victories in the 2009 G1 Hong Kong Classic Mile and the 2010 G3 Mission Hills Sha Tin Trophy.

Other (NZ) winners on the card were Benefactor (Align) and the Falkirk duo Solar Great and Fay Fay.

Falkirk had a very successful NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale last week with his progeny averaging over $88,000.  Top priced was the half-brother to the G2 winner Centennial Park (Thorn Park).

He was purchased for the $220,000 by George Moore on behalf of Hong Kong clients.