Starcraft at Arrowfield supports Earthquake Fundraiser

Arrowfield Stud and the Auckland Racing Club announced today that a 2011 nomination to exciting young sire Starcraft (NZ) will be auctioned at a Gala Dinner on 15 April to raise money for the Racing for Christchurch Appeal Fund, established in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February.

The nomination has been donated by the Starcraft Syndicate ahead of tomorrow’s “Starcraft at Arrowfield” Mr Tiz Trophy LR at Ellerslie.

New Zealand-bred Starcraft won five Group 1 races in four countries and was the world champion older turf miler of 2005. He is now the sire of four stakeswinners from his first Australian crop, including two dual Group 1 winners, We Can Say It Now and Star Witness. Starcraft’s second crop includes the talented 2YO filly Hallowell Belle, runner-up in the MRC Blue Diamond S. G1 on 26 February.

Arrowfield’s owner John Messara says, “The Starcraft Syndicate is very pleased to respond in a practical way to the devastation and distress caused by the Christchurch earthquake.

“As a New Zealand-bred champion owned in Australia, Starcraft exemplifies the strong ties between our two countries. The decision to support the Auckland Racing Club’s fund-raising initiative was very easily made.”

Auckland Racing Club Chief Executive Chris Weaver said, “The Auckland Racing Club is extremely grateful to Arrowfield Stud and the Starcraft Syndicate for their generous offer.

“Starcraft is a horse very close to the heart of many New Zealand racing fans and we will be working very hard to maximise the value of his service fee for the Racing for Christchurch Appeal Fund.”

Starcraft stood the 2010 season at a fee of $A35,000 +GST. His 2011 fee will be announced in early April, shortly before the Gala Dinner.