Frankie Dettori booted home a winner at Newmarket on his first day back in the saddle since his split from Godolphin was revealed on Sunday.
The Italian's 18-year contract with Sheikh Mohammed's racing operation is coming to a close - but he showed all his old dash aboard Goodwood Mirage.
Dettori, 41, was busy pushing away on his mount halfway through the seven-furlong Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Maiden Stakes.
But the hard work paid off as the John Dunlop-trained newcomer picked up in stirring fashion through the closing strides to get the better of Legal Waves and Yarroom after that pair had fought out a protracted battle.
The 12-1 shot scored by three-quarters of a length and Dettori arrived in the winner's circle to a rousing reception from racegoers.
He wasn't about to disappoint and after a clenched fist salute, Dettori gave his trademark flying dismount before blowing a kiss to a large band from the successful Goodwood Racehorse Owners Group.
Dunlop, who himself retires at the end of the season, said: "Frankie gave him (Goodwood Mirage) a great ride - he always does.
"Frankie is not just world class, he's top of the world class. I'm sure he will be employed by many people with huge success for many years to come."
The most impressive performance of the day came from Mujazif who stormed away from his field in the first division of the British Stallion Studs EBF TBA Maiden Stakes.
Fifth of 19 on his debut at Newmarket at the end of last month, he put the experience of that run to good use, pouring it on from two furlongs out after collaring Relentless.
Jockey Kieren Fallon only needed to keep the 3-1 shot up to his work in the closing strides of the mile race to win by three lengths from talented debutant Havana Cooler.
Delighted trainer Brian Meehan said: "We think the world of him and he has proved us right. I think he is the real deal - certainly one of our nicest two-year-olds.
"We will start him off in a trial next year and go from there. We think he is really smart and Kieren was very excited, getting off him."
Fallon recorded a double on the day with success aboard the Luca Cumani-trained Hippy Hippy Shake (13-2) in the £20,000 Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Fillies' Handicap.
The second division of the mile maiden also produced a potentially exciting winner in Crop Report, who never saw another horse in bolting up by five lengths at odds of 9-2 on his second start.
Trainer William Haggas said: "He is a nice galloping type who has always been a lovely mover. He was a very late foal and has got a chance of improving a bit."
Michael Hills' illustrious riding career is drawing to a close but the old sparkle was still in evidence as he gave Desert Image a perfectly-judged ride to take the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes.
He made every yard aboard the 11-4 chance, trained by his brother Charlie Hills, coming home four lengths clear of stablemate Mojo Miss.
The winning trainer said: "I think it must have been an off-day at Leicester last time. Today she had the race put to bed two furlongs out. She has got a great temperament and is very professional."
Jockey William Buick got it right on Hoarding (2-1) when the pair stuck to the far rail while fancied runners opted for the middle of the track in the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Houghton Conditions Stakes.
Winning trainer John Gosden said: "Ours got the run of it on the rail as Frankie took the opposition to the middle - I was delighted with that!
"This horse goes on any ground and there could be one more race in him this year if we want to."
Michael Bell and Hayley Turned combined to land the concluding Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Nursery with 11-4 favourite Shrewd.
