Episode 315: Noel Mayfield-Smith

Great to catch up with trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith who recently pulled up stakes and relocated from Hawkesbury to sunny Coffs Harbour. He explains why he settled on the north coast. Noel talks of his new association with “Stable Of Stars”, a syndication company which offers horses for lease rather than sale. The trainer explains the concept. The trainer pays tribute to wife Emma who has ridden the bulk of his trackwork for most of their married life. Noel talks of his reconnection with Jon Grisedale who at one stage was number three Nebo Lodge jockey. Now in his mid fifties Grisedale is riding better than ever, and rides an enormous amount of trackwork at Coffs. We go back to young Noel’s days as a bank teller and the surly customer who was indirectly responsible for his move to another job. Noel reflects on his move to Sydney when his brother Brian was offered the number one training job for the late Millie Fox. He looks back on his decision to go solo at Newcastle in 1991. He talks of his very first win at Taree and the tough times that followed. Noel tells the story of the ill fated Angst- the brilliant grey filly who propelled him to the big stage.  He talks of her brilliant quartet of wins in the 1993 Princess Series and her premature death following surgery for a breathing infirmity. He speaks affectionately of Mistador who wasn’t in the class of Angst but came along at exactly the right time for the shattered trainer. He looks back on the day Mistador toppled a rising star at Newcastle. We reserved plenty of space for Noel’s tribute to his dual Gr 1 winner Landsighting, winner of 8 races with 6 placings for $1.3 million. Noel pays a special tribute to the late Bill Fisher, the “dream” owner who showed him tremendous loyalty during a few fabulous years together. His affection for Famous Seamus is very evident as he summarises a career which brought 12 wins and $1.3 million. His wins include a Gr 1 BTC Cup. Noel talks of the talents of his Irish born wife Emma, and her late father Will Robinson whose many wins as a jumps jockey included the famous Aintree Grand National.  The experienced trainer looks forward to the final phase of his career in a lovely part of NSW. Mind you he’ll be pleased to travel if the right horse comes along.