There has never been a great deal separating quality young sires Star Witness and Hinchinbrook and at the end of their third season less than $20,000 split the pair on seasonal earnings with our man taking the top honours as Champion Third Season Sire.

Star Witness held a narrow margin with 75 winners of $5,761,672, while Hinchinbrook had 65 winners of $5,741,522.

Star Witness produced four individual stakes-winners headed by dual Group I winner Global Glamour and brilliant Group II winner Star Turn.

The success of Star Witness will be cheered by his many supporters, the former Champion Two and Three Year Old Colt covering his largest ever book of mares last spring with 220 visiting the son of Starcraft.

The powerhouse chestnut has had a fee increase this spring standing at $33,000 and is again in hot demand.