The Robbie Griffiths-trained Its Prince has spoiled Brian Mayfield-Smith's farewell party with a courageous win over Encroacher at Moonee Valley.Griffiths gave Nick Hall "15 out of 10" for his ride on Its Prince who scooted through near the rails rounding the home turn to score a three-quarter length win in Saturday's Hollylodge Thoroughbred Handicap (1500m).Steven King rode Encroacher and despite a belated home straight charge failed to close out Mayfield-Smith's training career on a high.Mayfi
The Robbie Griffiths-trained Its Prince has spoiled Brian Mayfield-Smith's farewell party with a courageous win over Encroacher at Moonee Valley.
Griffiths gave Nick Hall "15 out of 10" for his ride on Its Prince who scooted through near the rails rounding the home turn to score a three-quarter length win in Saturday's Hollylodge Thoroughbred Handicap (1500m).
Steven King rode Encroacher and despite a belated home straight charge failed to close out Mayfield-Smith's training career on a high.
Mayfield-Smith, 62, who trained 30 individual Group One winners and ended Tommy Smith's dominance with three Sydney premierships, has trained at Flemington for the last 12 years.
He cited economic pressure as the reason for his retirement and will now holiday in Africa for a month before deciding his long-term future.
Meanwhile the future looks bright for Its Prince who this campaign has developed into a more mature and race-savvy galloper.
Awkwardly positioned on the rails, nothing much was going right for the six-year-old as Hall searched for an opening to take him forward from the 700m.
His persistence paid off on the turn when he was able to drive Its Prince though a gap near the rails and set up a winning break.
Griffiths said last preparation Its Prince wouldn't have had the mental maturity to cope with being cluttered up like he was mid-race.
"He wouldn't have settled well enough for Nick to weave his magic like he has today," Griffiths said.
"It is full credit to the horse. He has grown up a lot."
Hall, who also won on Star Witness earlier in the day, said Its Prince was impressive after he stalled for a couple of strides and surged to the lead.
"Everything he does he still needs some help," Hall said.
"He stopped under me a bit and took a bit of riding."
Griffiths said that Its Prince's ability to adapt in races was a turning point for the horse.
"We can raise the bar a bit with him now," Griffiths said.
He said the Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day was now an option for Its Prince who has raced 30 times for five wins, 10 seconds and five thirds.