Fifth Group One Winner for Mastercraftsman

Mastercraftsman posted his fifth Group I winner worldwide when consistent mare Thee Auld Floozie (5m Mastercraftsman x Thee Auld Hussie, by Spinning World) broke through for a well-deserved win in the Group I Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Saturday. An excited Rosie Myers admitted she had a small moment of panic nearing the business end of Saturday’s Group One feature, when in front on the dashing grey. Up until that stage Myers had produced a picture perfect effort on thee Auld Floozie after settling sweetly behind the breakneck early speed in the race. Myers bided her time as the field compacted nearing the point of the home turn and when clear air emerged she pushed the go button on the mare who simply exploded to the front at the 300 metre mark. It was then that a warning by trainer Stephen Marsh began to ring in Myers’ ears. “She travelled beautifully throughout but I was in two minds on the turn whether to go in or out on her,” she explained. “We came off the fence and I was able to get a good run in between them and she just took off. “It was then I remembered two weeks ago Stephen had said to me whatever you do don’t go to the front too soon. I was thinking oh no but she did it really well in the end.” Marsh, who saddled four contenders in the event, was riding an emotional high after the victory as he was surrounded by well-wishers. “We’ve got a lot of owners here who have come from far and wide,” he noted. “We had four runners who I all thought deserved their chance and I’m just rapt one of them got the win. “She’s been rock solid and even her last campaign she was the same. She’s just coming right as she’s a high class mare. Her only fault was in the Coupland’s Mile where the track was just too firm for her.” Marsh was also quick to pay tribute to one of the couples involved in the mare’s ownership. “She really deserved her Group One,” he said. “It’s great for John and Sue Young who have been great supporters of mine since back in our Woodville days. “They bred her so I’m just so pleased for them.” Already a Group III winner, Thee Auld Floozie has won nine of 27 starts and is the best of four winners from stakes-winner Thee Auld Hussie.