Champion jockey Opie Bosson's three month Hong Kong contract nearly got off to a perfect start, when he finished a creditable second on his first ride at Sha Tin last night.

The two time New Zealand Champion jockey first ride was in the opening event aboard Gold Precious.The five year old gelding got plenty of attention on the tote boards, opening up at 27/1 to 8.6 at the finish. The New Zealand bred was given perfect ride by Bosson but was outfinished by Amazing Always ridden by Joao Moreira.

Bosson went closer in his third ride of the day, in the fourth event going down only a nose riding Classic Vinegar. The Australian bred mare was having her first start in Hong Kong. Bosson settled the four year old in midfield and came with a brilliant finish down the outside and looked a winner but was collared on the post by Glorious Avenue.

Bosson had four rides and finished with two seconds and two unplaced.

On a big day for the New Zealanders, Werther took out the Queen Elizabeth ll Cup beating a superb international field. The Tavistock four year old joined elite company of New Zealand-breds Vengeance Of Rain and Ambitious Dragon winning the Hong Kong Derby-Queen Elizabeth ll Cup double.

Zed gelding Ambitious Champion won the Queen Mother Memorial Cup, one of Hong Kong's few feature races over 2400 metres.

Former New Zealand apprentice Kei Chiong Ka-kei won the third race aboard Noble De Boy. Chiong has now ridden 16 winners for the season and leaves her four short of having the claim reduced to seven pounds.