Lord Volksraad highly rated by Mayfield-Smith
From Thoroughbred News NZ 23/09/02

The win by the three year old Lord Volksraad in the $25,000 Broadbridge Handicap (1200m) at Sandown on Saturday had trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith delighted with the performance.

"There are very few horses that have the ability to be able to step up to city class so early in their careers, this horse was only having his second start after winning in maiden class at Geelong", said Mayfield-Smith.

Purchased from Windsor Park Stud's 2001 premier Karaka draft for $NZ95,000
Mayfield-Smith felt he had a cheap purchase because he was a late foal, born in November.

"He would have brought $NZ$120,000 if it wasn't for that. He is pretty smart.” Mayfield-Smith said.

When buying yearlings he didn't care if they were late foals or not "as long as they are not runts. He was a bit soft-boned and I gave him time and he's hardened up," said the trainer. "I don't train the backside out of them, I bring them up easily."

Lord Volksraad proved far to strong in the hands of top Melbourne rider Brett Prebble beating Lord Harold by 1-¾ lengths in his second raceday outing.

By Windsor Park based stallion Volksraad, the chestnut gelding's potential could be a major driving force behind Volksraad's bid to claim further recognition in the sire ranks following on from his recently awarded Grosvenor Trophy for leading New Zealand sire.