Another Group 1 for Ballydoyle Aidan O'Brien and Johnny Murtagh added another Group 1 to their tally after winning The Bank of Scotland National Stakes Group 1 with Mastercraftsman owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor. The National Stakes provided a thrilling finish with Mastercraftsman battling it out with the English contender Shaweel trained by Mark Johnston. The pair battled it out from 1f out and Murtagh managed to get up in the closing strides and win by a short head. Aidan O'Brien said afterwards, "He has a lot of speed as we saw in The Phoenix Stakes. Johnny gave him a wonderful ride he kept him together well and nursed him home. It's very deep ground and to win today you must have heart as well as ability. That's what makes him extra special. We'll have a look at The Prix Jean-Luc Lagarde in France for him and he's a great mover and has a great attitude." Cashmans, William Hill, Boylesports and Stanjames are all going 5/1 for the 2000 Guineas.
