Greg Childs made winning a habit during his 30-year career and it was no different on his last day of riding.He won on Game Serena, the first of his four mounts on Saturday, but it wasn't a fairytale result with his final ride, Papa ($7), trained by his old mate Mike Moroney, finishing ninth to Itstheone in the final event, Skipton Hcp (1600m)."I was a bit anxious with the enormous amount of support to get the Mike Moroney horse home, but it wasn't to be," Childs said."Unfortunately the horse co

Greg Childs made winning a habit during his 30-year career and it was no different on his last day of riding.

He won on Game Serena, the first of his four mounts on Saturday, but it wasn't a fairytale result with his final ride, Papa ($7), trained by his old mate Mike Moroney, finishing ninth to Itstheone in the final event, Skipton Hcp (1600m).

"I was a bit anxious with the enormous amount of support to get the Mike Moroney horse home, but it wasn't to be," Childs said.

"Unfortunately the horse couldn't give me a good finish.

"I hope people realise I gave most of my mounts every chance throughout my career."

The 46-year-old, with around 2,100 winners behind him, including 72 Group Ones, retires with some great memories, none more cherished than his association with the great mare Sunline.

He won 22 races on her, 11 of them Group Ones including two Cox Plates.

But he says he has lost the desire and aggression needed to chase the good rides and continue to compete.

But right to the end he was the ultimate professional and a great judge of pace.

Childs delighted the smallish Flemington crowd with his brilliant tactical ride aboard the Ron Gravett-trained mare Game Serena ($14) who stole a march on Eskimo Dan and the favourite Instructor in the Bounty Hawk Hcp (2000m).

"Goodness knows why you are giving it away Greg," said course broadcaster Greg Myles of Childs' display.

The Victoria Racing Club made a presentation to Childs attended by all the jockeys who were riding at the meeting.

"I've come to the end of a long road, 30 years I've been riding and I'd like to think I've given 110 per cent throughout my career," he said.

"I've had more highs than lows and I've ridden all around the world. All good things come to an end and today is the day."

"I'm happy. We all retire eventually and I planned it about a month ago with my wife (Diane). I wanted to get my mum (Marcella) and dad (Brian) over here because they were there for my first race ride. They are here today for my last.

"I'm at peace with myself that I've made the right decision to retire and it's nice to get a winner today."

Butwaittheresmore ($3.60 fav), also prepared by Moroney, got into a bit of trouble and settled at the back of the field in the Comic Court Hcp (2500m) before finishing on well for eighth behind Sunday Adieu.

He led on the Dean Lawson-trained Mr Heart ($61) who was outclassed in the Shaftesbury Avenue Hcp (1400m), dropping out to finish ninth behind the highly promising Pins colt Keano.