Mastercraftsman Head Shot

Aussie Stakes-Winner for Mastercraftsman

The Waratah Thoroughbreds colours were carried to victory in the Listed $203,500 Warrnambool Cup on Thursday by progressive stayer Master of Arts (4h Mastercraftsman x Petit Verdot, by Carnegie).

Trained by Darren Weir, the four year-old scored the biggest win of his career when surging clear to win the 2350 metre staying test by more than a length in heavy conditions with Dean Yendall in the saddle.

"He got a great ride from Dean, he got to the best part of the track. They all had parts where they were trying to get to but Dean got there first and onto the path we wanted,” Weir said.

"It’s been a great week and great for that horse to win for Paul and Angela Fudge (Waratah Thoroughbreds) who are big supporters of the stable now.”

A $110,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of leading New Zealand nursery Trelawney Stud, Master of Arts has the overall record of four wins and four placings from 11 starts with prizemoney topping $230,000 and will be given the opportunity for further success in coming weeks.

Weir said he will continue on this preparation with a Queensland trip an option.

"There’s the Andrew Ramsden over two miles for him at Flemington coming up or he might go to Queensland, the Caloundra Cup - those sorts of races,” Weir said.

Master of Arts is a half-brother to Group II winner Antonio Lombardo and is from Carnegie mare Petit Verdot, a full sister to Victoria Derby winner Amalfi.

He is the 31st stakes-winner for Mastercraftsman, who shuttled to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand from Coolmore Ireland.