Joy and Fun for Karaka Graduates in Asia

Joy and Fun and Best Jade Horse ensured the spades of success enjoyed by Karaka graduates in Asia continued into 2009 with feature races victories in Hong Kong and Macau over the New Year period.

Sha Tin hosted Hong Kong's first race meeting of the year carding eleven races of which seven were won by Kiwi-breds with Joy and Fun's (Cullen - Gin Player, by Defensive Play) victory in the HK $2,300,000 Group 3 The Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1400m) the highlight.

It was Joy and Fun's first group race success, the win coming off the back of seventh in the Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile. Ridden by South African-born Weichong Marwing for trainer Derek Cruz, Joy and Fun sat midfield throughout the race before Marwing brought the bay gelding down centre track in the home straight. He cruised powerfully past his rivals to beat Sunny King (Desert Sun) by three-quarters of a length, with Bullish Cash (Howbaddouwantit) two and a half lengths away in third.

Joy and Fun was bought by New Zealand Bloodstock as agent at the 2004 National Weanling Sale from Java Lodge for $15,000, and he has now won HK$ 4,515,500 for owners Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Wong Chun Nam. He is a half-brother to Group 1 SAJC Schweppes Oaks and Group 1 South Australian Derby winner Zarita (Pentire) and Group 2 Avondale RC Concorde Handicap winner Run Like The Wind (Pins).

Hallmark Stud will offer Lot 508 at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale, a filly by first season sire Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence) from Gin City (Heroicity), a half-sister to Joy and Fun.

Meanwhile at Macau's first meeting of the year the Kiwis took five of the eight races on the card including the feature, the M$700,000 Listed Macau Winter Trophy (1800m) which was captured by Karaka graduate Best Jade Horse (Ebony Grosve - Down and Up, by Tights).

Trained by Pat Lee for owner Lamhon Tse, Best Jade Horse has now won M$2,777,500 from six victories and eleven minor placings which included second place in both the Listed Macau Derby Trial, and the Listed Macau Guineas.

The bay gelding was purchased by Alan Tait of Woodridge Farm for $4,000 at the 2004 Karaka National Weanling Sale from Brighthill Farm.

Brighthill Farm will offer 30 yearlings at the upcoming NZB National Yearling Sales Series while Woodridge Farm will present a draft of six.

The 2009 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series are set for 26 January through to 2 February. To view the catalogue log on to http://www.nzb.co.nz/ or to request a catalogue contact reception@nzb.co.nz.