Craftsman out of QE2 As expected, Mastercraftsman has been declared a non-runner for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot this afternoon. Aidan O'Brien surprisingly left his St James's Palace Stakes winner in the race at the final declaration stage - but warned he was only in as a precaution should Rip Van Winkle miss the race. Mastercraftsman was officially taken out of the Ascot showpiece yesterday evening.
