Starcraft’s 7th stakeswinner this season

There were many scenes of jubilation in the Randwick mounting yard today and the aftermath of the $150,000 ATC Adrian Knox S. 2000m G3 was as lively as any of them.

3YO filly Crafty Irna ( Starcraft -Zirna by Deputy Governor) was greeted by a crowd of happy owners, led by Tim Noonan, who hoisted trainer Ron Quinton up on his shoulders as the filly returned to the winner’s stall.

And well might her owners celebrate. Pressing forward off the strong pace set by Who’s Ready, Crafty Irna and jockey Glyn Schofield found themselves in front earlier than planned, but kept up a strong gallop to see off all challengers and win by

0.75 length from Raspberries, with a long head back to Becerra.

The win is Crafty Irna’s second from nine starts and she will continue on to the 100th running of the ATC Oaks 2400m G1 next Saturday.

The filly was bred and sold by New Zealand’s Westbury Stud, from the high-class mare Zirna (7 wins, inc. the Te Aroha JC NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. G1 & Singapore Gold Cup). A $125,000 NZ Premier Sale yearling, Crafty Irna is raced by Tim Noonan and his fellow owners Peter Kearney, Clement Lee, Tony Andreacchio, Tom Lamond, Paul Fitzgerald, Charles Dowsett, Paul Young, John Osmond, David Lamond & Ian Starke.

She is Starcraft’s 8th individual stakeswinner worldwide, and the 7th stakeswinner this season from his two Australian crops of racing age, after G1 Star Witness, G1 We Can Say It Now, G3 Do You Think, G3 Starcheeka and Listed Race winners Ain’tnofallenstar and Singapore Sling. Starcraft is currently the leading ANZ 2nd Season sire by stakeswinners, and he is third, behind Stratum and Snitzel, on the Australian 2nd Season Sires’ list (by earnings).