Both men have seen it all on Newmarket Heath.
Sir Mark Prescott Praises "Laser-Focused" Sir Michael Stoute Ahead of His Retirement
In the wake of the announcement that legendary trainer Sir Michael Stoute will retire at the end of the season, Sir Mark Prescott has offered glowing praise for his long-time rival and neighbor in Newmarket. Prescott hailed Stoute as “the most focused trainer of my time,” emphasizing the unrelenting dedication and precision that have made him one of the greatest horse trainers in British racing history.
"He is probably the most focused trainer of my time," Prescott reflected. "When he had a good horse, his focus on it was absolutely unwavering."
Stoute’s reputation, according to Prescott, wasn’t built solely on his ability to train racehorses to the peak of their powers, but also on his remarkable skill as a mentor to jockeys. "He is a tremendous jockey mentor as well," Prescott added. "If he saw genius or flair in a jockey, he would go to great lengths to nurture that talent, ensuring he got the best out of his riders."
This combination of deep focus on both horse and jockey, Prescott suggested, set Stoute apart from the competition. "It made him a very hard trainer for the finest in the world to beat."
Early Signs of a Racing Legend
Prescott, who himself has spent over 50 years at the top of the racing world, didn’t take long to realize that Stoute would become a dominant force in British racing. “He was assistant to Doug Smith and played a significant part in training Sleeping Partner, who won the Oaks in 1969,” he recalled.
When Stoute ventured out on his own in 1972, Prescott saw the signs of greatness from the very beginning. "He started just behind where I am now, and when his horses first appeared, even with just eight of them, they absolutely looked like a string from the very start. I had a couple of years’ head start, but he soon sailed past me—and into the distance!"
What Prescott admired most about Stoute was the way he approached both his horses and his team. Stoute’s focus on his horses, combined with his unwavering belief in nurturing talent, led to a glittering career that would see him crowned champion trainer 10 times and saddling six Derby winners among his 16 British Classic victories.
A Rivalry Marked by Respect
Sir Mark Prescott and Sir Michael Stoute have shared a long-standing rivalry, not just as fellow Newmarket trainers but as two of the most accomplished figures in British racing. Despite this, their rivalry has always been one built on respect. Prescott acknowledges that while he is sad to see Stoute retire, the legacy Stoute leaves behind is unmatched.
"I’m obviously very sad he’s retiring because it leaves me more exposed!" Prescott joked, before continuing more seriously, "But in all honesty, he has achieved so much. To retire now, at the top, it is the mark of a true professional."
A Storied Career Comes to a Close
Sir Michael Stoute’s career began in 1972, two years after Prescott took over the license at Heath House Stables. Over the course of five decades, Stoute became synonymous with excellence in training. From Sleeping Partner’s victory in the Oaks to training some of the finest racehorses the world has ever seen, Stoute’s path was always one of upward trajectory and remarkable consistency.
His notable achievements include saddling Derby winners like Shergar, Workforce, and Desert Crown, as well as winning 10 British Champion Trainer titles. Stoute’s influence wasn’t limited to British racing either. He became a globally recognized name, with triumphs in prestigious races around the world, including victories in the Breeders’ Cup and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
One of the keys to Stoute’s success, according to Prescott, was his relentless focus on each horse’s individual potential. "He was laser-focused on his good horses, and that level of dedication is something you don’t see every day."
A Mentor to Jockeys, a Master of Horses
As a mentor, Stoute’s impact extended beyond the racetrack. Many jockeys owe much of their success to his guidance. He nurtured some of the greatest jockeys of the modern era, taking them under his wing and pushing them to reach their full potential.
"He had a real knack for spotting flair in a jockey," Prescott remarked. "If he saw even a spark of brilliance, he would invest everything to help that rider succeed. That combination of nurturing jockeys and focusing on his horses is what made him so difficult to beat."
Stoute’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will be felt for generations to come. As Prescott reflects on their long-standing rivalry, he does so with immense respect for the man who redefined British horse training.
