Frankel (horse)
Encyclopedia
Frankel is a thoroughbred
colt
racehorse
bred by Juddmonte Farms
, trained by Sir Henry Cecil
and owned by Prince Khalid Abdulla. Named after the renowned and late American trainer Bobby Frankel
, Frankel is unbeaten in nine races and is officially rated as the best racehorse in the world. After his win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
at Ascot in October 2011, Frankel was given a rating of 143 by Timeform
, the highest mark awarded by the organisation in over forty years and their fourth-highest of all time behind Sea Bird
, Brigadier Gerard and Tudor Minstrel
.
Perhaps best known for his win in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket
in April 2011, a performance which has been described as "one of the greatest displays on a British racecourse", Frankel will remain in training as a four year-old before being retired to stud. British bloodstock agency McKeever Bloodstock has suggested that Frankel has a valuation of £100 million, an estimate which may be "conservative".
before making headway two furlongs out, he led inside the final furlong and ran on to beat John Gosden's future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Nathaniel
by half a length.
Next time, Frankel first hinted that he was something out of the ordinary in the Frank Whittle Conditions Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster on 10th September 2010. The horse posted an excellent speed figure despite never doing anything more than a hack canter under Queally and coasted to a 13-length success. It was at this point that the racing world began to take notice.
at Ascot
, a race sponsored by his owner Khalid Abdulla. The race was notable for Frankel's sensational mid-race move around the home turn and the colt bounded clear to beat subsequent Horris Hill Stakes
winner Klammer by an easy 10 lengths. Treasure Beach
, the Epsom Derby
runner-up and Irish Derby winner the following year, was beaten just under 11 lengths. After the race, Peter Scargill of The Racing Post said that "the jockey merely pushed his mount out hands and heels to win by ten lengths – it could've easily been more". Trainer Henry Cecil said: "He was very impressive. He has been ticking all the right boxes. In the last two months he has started to really improve, improve and improve".
at Newmarket on 16 October 2010, by far his biggest challenge to date. The race - billed as the two-year-old race of the century - also featured two other unbeaten colts; Dream Ahead, 10-length winner of the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes
a fortnight earlier and Saamidd, winner of Doncaster's Champagne Stakes and labelled "Pegasus" by his Godolphin stable. Frankel subsequently won the race "comfortably" by two and a quarter lengths. The runner-up, Roderic O'Connor, subsequently won the Group 1 Critérium International
at Saint-Cloud
and then the Irish 2000 Guineas
as a three year-old. Frankel remained unbeaten going into winter quarters, despite his rider Queally never picking up his stick at any time. The racing world and the Cecil camp waited with eager anticipation for the sport's new superstar to re-appear in 2011.
at Newbury
on 16th April 2011 over seven furlongs. He defeated Excelebration - who went on to win the Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen
(German 2000 Guineas) and the Group 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
that season - by a comfortable four lengths, Frankel showing his customary turn of foot around a furlong from home. Following the race, trainer Henry Cecil insisted that the colt would improve dramatically for the outing before the Newmarket Classic.
-ridden Casamento, off the bridle after only three furlongs. Frankel maintained a relentless gallop and his majestic, ground-devouring stride had taken him into a lead of around 15 lengths by half way. Many of the racegoers at Newmarket burst into spontaneous applause fully two furlongs from home to acclaim a new champion and, by the time he crossed the line, Frankel was still six lengths clear.
The performance was described as "barely believable", while Paul Curtis of the Racing Post said afterwards that "Frankel's astonishing performance puts him firmly in the superstar status".
at Royal Ascot on 14th June 2011. In the race itself the pacemaker, Rerouted, went off at a break-neck pace and had opened up a sizeable lead by half-way. Frankel was then asked by Queally to go after him and, showing an amazing turn of foot, kicked up to him, passed him and opened up a lead of six lengths on the rest of the field with two furlongs to go. However, in the final furlongs the 20-1 shot Zoffany began to gain ground and Frankel held on by 3/4 length to win the race, despite it looking very much like the mid-race move engineered by Queally was taking its toll on the horse.
Following the race, Queally received a lot of criticism from many quarters for what many saw as an ill-judged ride. Despite claims from Cecil and Queally that the horse was merely idling in front, many observers saw the race as the first time that Frankel had been exposed as having potential limitations.
on 27 July 2011 at Goodwood. In a race billed as "The Duel on the Downs", Frankel was obliged to make the running and produced a scintillating turn of foot before the furlong pole to leave the world's top-rated older miler - who had beaten three-time Breeders' Cup Mile
winner Goldikova
in his previous race - trailing in his wake.
Frankel received countless accolades following his bloodless victory. His trainer Sir Henry Cecil
said: "I think it's a facetious thing to say, but he's the best I've ever seen. I suppose the only ones I could compare would be Shergar
and Blushing Groom
at his best. I can't go back to the days of Tudor Minstrel
and match races, but he's the best in my lifetime." During the interview Cecil also said that he had expected the colt to win easily, despite having ample respect for his horse's rival Canford Cliffs.
Following Frankel's win in the Sussex Stakes
, rumours abounded that Cecil would aim Frankel at the Juddmonte International Stakes at York in mid-August. The race, over a mile and a quarter, would be the first time Frankel would contest a race over that distance. However, after careful consideration with owner Prince Khalid Abdulla, Cecil announced the following day that the colt would have only one more race in 2011, in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
at Ascot's QIPCO British Champions Day on October 15 2011.
As a result of his victory in the Sussex Stakes
, the British Horseracing Authority
raised Frankel's official rating from 130 (tied with Australian horse Black Caviar
) to 135, making him officially the best racehorse in the world.
. His presence did not scare off the opposition, with a strong eight-horse field in the race, including Excelebration, the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
winner. Immortal Verse, winner of Coronation Stakes
and Prix Jacques Le Marois
. And also Dick Turpin, who won the Premio Vittorio di Capua
that year. However, Frankel, despite hanging his head early when pulling too hard early in the race, was again too good, winning by 4 lengths with last-start Group 1 winners Excelebration and Immortal Verse filling the minor placings.
He was given a Timeform rating of 143 in this race, moving into sole third in the Timeform all-time flat rating list.
at Newbury as a potential starting point, then "the Queen Anne
or the Prince of Wales's Stakes
, the Eclipse
and the Juddmonte
." While Frankel has only raced in England, it is possible that the horse may contest the Breeders' Cup
at Santa Anita
in 2012 as a final career start.
Trainer Sir Henry Cecil has said that he believes his charge will improve for another winter and that the horse "will get a mile and a quarter very easily". The Newmarket trainer added: "He's really beginning to grow up. You're going to see a better horse next year and he's pretty good as he is."
and out of Listed sprint-winner Kind. Although his sire won the Derby, doubts surfaced over whether Frankel's staying power would be sufficient for the mile-and-a-half race. Frankel was instead targeted towards the St James's Palace Stakes.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
colt
Colt (horse)
A colt is a young male horse, under the age of four. The term "colt" is often confused with foal, which refers to a horse of either sex under one year of age....
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
bred by Juddmonte Farms
Juddmonte Farms
Juddmonte Farms is a famous and award-winning horse breeding farm, owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. A member of the Saudi Arabian royal family the successful businessman presides over the massive conglomerate Mawared...
, trained by Sir Henry Cecil
Henry Cecil
Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil is a successful English horse racing trainer who has had many winners in the Epsom Derby, 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks and the St. Leger Stakes....
and owned by Prince Khalid Abdulla. Named after the renowned and late American trainer Bobby Frankel
Bobby Frankel
Robert Julian Frankel was an American thoroughbred race horse trainer whom ESPN called "one of the most successful and respected trainers in the history of thoroughbred racing." He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1995, and was a five-time winner of the Eclipse...
, Frankel is unbeaten in nine races and is officially rated as the best racehorse in the world. After his win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
at Ascot in October 2011, Frankel was given a rating of 143 by Timeform
Timeform
Timeform Publications is a publishing company in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England founded in 1948 to provide information to fans, bettors, and others involved in the horse racing industry...
, the highest mark awarded by the organisation in over forty years and their fourth-highest of all time behind Sea Bird
Sea Bird II
Sea Bird II is considered by many to be the greatest post-war European flat racehorse. His Timeform rating of 145 is still the highest ever flat figure awarded by that publication. Sea Bird II is most famous for his breathtaking victories in two of Europe's most prestigious races: the Epsom Derby...
, Brigadier Gerard and Tudor Minstrel
Tudor Minstrel
Tudor Minstrel was a British-bred Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. He was sired by Owen Tudor, the 1941 Epsom Derby winner.Ridden by Gordon Richards, in 1947 Tudor Minstrel won the 1 mile long 2,000 Guineas by 8 lengths, the largest winning margin in the race since 1900...
.
Perhaps best known for his win in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket
Newmarket Racecourse
The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping...
in April 2011, a performance which has been described as "one of the greatest displays on a British racecourse", Frankel will remain in training as a four year-old before being retired to stud. British bloodstock agency McKeever Bloodstock has suggested that Frankel has a valuation of £100 million, an estimate which may be "conservative".
Two-Year-Old Career
Frankel began his two-year-old career on 13th August 2010 in a one mile maiden race at Newmarket on soft ground. Held up by jockey Tom QueallyTom Queally
Thomas P. Queally is a Thoroughbred horse racing jockey. He began his professional career in 2000 while still attending school...
before making headway two furlongs out, he led inside the final furlong and ran on to beat John Gosden's future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Nathaniel
Nathaniel (horse)
Nathaniel is a thoroughbred colt racehorse trained by John Gosden for Lady Rothschild. Sired by the extremely important Champion Sire Galileo, out of the mare Magnificent Style, , Nathaniel is a half-brother of Playful Act...
by half a length.
Next time, Frankel first hinted that he was something out of the ordinary in the Frank Whittle Conditions Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster on 10th September 2010. The horse posted an excellent speed figure despite never doing anything more than a hack canter under Queally and coasted to a 13-length success. It was at this point that the racing world began to take notice.
Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes
His next visit to the racecourse was on 24th September 2010 where he tackled Group company for the first time in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge StakesRoyal Lodge Stakes
The Royal Lodge Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September....
at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
, a race sponsored by his owner Khalid Abdulla. The race was notable for Frankel's sensational mid-race move around the home turn and the colt bounded clear to beat subsequent Horris Hill Stakes
Horris Hill Stakes
The Horris Hill Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October....
winner Klammer by an easy 10 lengths. Treasure Beach
Treasure Beach (horse)
Treasure Beach is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and winner of the 2011 Irish Derby. He was ridden by Colm O'Donoghue and trained by Aidan O'Brien.-External Links:*...
, the Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
runner-up and Irish Derby winner the following year, was beaten just under 11 lengths. After the race, Peter Scargill of The Racing Post said that "the jockey merely pushed his mount out hands and heels to win by ten lengths – it could've easily been more". Trainer Henry Cecil said: "He was very impressive. He has been ticking all the right boxes. In the last two months he has started to really improve, improve and improve".
Dewhurst Stakes
Frankel's final start of 2010 was the Group 1 Dewhurst StakesDewhurst Stakes
The Dewhurst Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.The event was established in 1875, and it...
at Newmarket on 16 October 2010, by far his biggest challenge to date. The race - billed as the two-year-old race of the century - also featured two other unbeaten colts; Dream Ahead, 10-length winner of the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes
Middle Park Stakes
The Middle Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The event was established...
a fortnight earlier and Saamidd, winner of Doncaster's Champagne Stakes and labelled "Pegasus" by his Godolphin stable. Frankel subsequently won the race "comfortably" by two and a quarter lengths. The runner-up, Roderic O'Connor, subsequently won the Group 1 Critérium International
Critérium International
The Critérium International is a two-day bicycle stage race held in France every spring. It was formerly known as the Critérium National de la Route, first run in 1932....
at Saint-Cloud
Saint-Cloud
Saint-Cloud is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris.Like other communes of the Hauts-de-Seine such as Marnes-la-Coquette, Neuilly-sur-Seine or Vaucresson, Saint-Cloud is one of the wealthiest cities in France, ranked 22nd out of the 36500 in...
and then the Irish 2000 Guineas
Irish 2000 Guineas
The Irish 2,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
as a three year-old. Frankel remained unbeaten going into winter quarters, despite his rider Queally never picking up his stick at any time. The racing world and the Cecil camp waited with eager anticipation for the sport's new superstar to re-appear in 2011.
Greenham Stakes
Frankel's prep-race for the 2000 Guineas and the first start of his three-year-old career was the Greenham StakesGreenham Stakes
The Greenham Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in April....
at Newbury
Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse is a racecourse in the civil parish of Greenham, adjoining the town of Newbury in Berkshire, England. It has courses for flat races and over jumps...
on 16th April 2011 over seven furlongs. He defeated Excelebration - who went on to win the Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen
Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen
The Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen is a Group 2 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Cologne over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
(German 2000 Guineas) and the Group 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older...
that season - by a comfortable four lengths, Frankel showing his customary turn of foot around a furlong from home. Following the race, trainer Henry Cecil insisted that the colt would improve dramatically for the outing before the Newmarket Classic.
2,000 Guineas Stakes
On 30th April 2011, Frankel was the hot favourite at odds of 1/2, the shortest-priced favourite in the race since 1974. The colt more than lived up to the lofty expectations on the Rowley Mile by delivering one of the most dominant Group One performances in racing history. He jumped straight to the lead, surprising many of the jockeys in the race, and had the horse in second place, the Frankie DettoriFrankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
-ridden Casamento, off the bridle after only three furlongs. Frankel maintained a relentless gallop and his majestic, ground-devouring stride had taken him into a lead of around 15 lengths by half way. Many of the racegoers at Newmarket burst into spontaneous applause fully two furlongs from home to acclaim a new champion and, by the time he crossed the line, Frankel was still six lengths clear.
The performance was described as "barely believable", while Paul Curtis of the Racing Post said afterwards that "Frankel's astonishing performance puts him firmly in the superstar status".
St James's Palace Stakes
Although he had been the long-time favourite for the Epsom Derby, doubts about his stamina meant that he did not go to Epsom to tackle racing's Blue Riband. Instead his next start was in the St. James's Palace StakesSt. James's Palace Stakes
The St. James's Palace Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
at Royal Ascot on 14th June 2011. In the race itself the pacemaker, Rerouted, went off at a break-neck pace and had opened up a sizeable lead by half-way. Frankel was then asked by Queally to go after him and, showing an amazing turn of foot, kicked up to him, passed him and opened up a lead of six lengths on the rest of the field with two furlongs to go. However, in the final furlongs the 20-1 shot Zoffany began to gain ground and Frankel held on by 3/4 length to win the race, despite it looking very much like the mid-race move engineered by Queally was taking its toll on the horse.
Following the race, Queally received a lot of criticism from many quarters for what many saw as an ill-judged ride. Despite claims from Cecil and Queally that the horse was merely idling in front, many observers saw the race as the first time that Frankel had been exposed as having potential limitations.
Sussex Stakes
In a race viewed by many as the most eagerly awaited confrontation in years, Frankel scored a five-length victory over five-time consecutive Group 1 winner Canford CliffsCanford Cliffs (horse)
Canford Cliffs is a Thoroughbred racehorse trained by Richard Hannon. A bay colt by Tagula out of Mrs Marsh, he won the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot as a two year old. After an encouraging third in the 2,000 Guineas, the colt won the Irish equivalent under Richard Hughes. Canford Cliffs...
on 27 July 2011 at Goodwood. In a race billed as "The Duel on the Downs", Frankel was obliged to make the running and produced a scintillating turn of foot before the furlong pole to leave the world's top-rated older miler - who had beaten three-time Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile
The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
winner Goldikova
Goldikova
Goldikova is a champion Thoroughbred racemare based in France, although she has raced in North America and England. She has won fourteen group one races, with nine victories over colts and geldings. This puts her above the great Miesque as the only European-trained horse to have won more than 10...
in his previous race - trailing in his wake.
Frankel received countless accolades following his bloodless victory. His trainer Sir Henry Cecil
Henry Cecil
Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil is a successful English horse racing trainer who has had many winners in the Epsom Derby, 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks and the St. Leger Stakes....
said: "I think it's a facetious thing to say, but he's the best I've ever seen. I suppose the only ones I could compare would be Shergar
Shergar
Shergar was an acclaimed Irish racehorse, and winner of the 1981 Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths, the longest winning margin in the race's 226-year history. This victory earned him a spot in The Observer newspaper's 100 Most Memorable Sporting Moments of the Twentieth Century...
and Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom was a French Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by HH Aga Khan IV. A descendant of Nearco, Blushing Groom was sired by Red God and out of the mare Runaway Bride....
at his best. I can't go back to the days of Tudor Minstrel
Tudor Minstrel
Tudor Minstrel was a British-bred Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. He was sired by Owen Tudor, the 1941 Epsom Derby winner.Ridden by Gordon Richards, in 1947 Tudor Minstrel won the 1 mile long 2,000 Guineas by 8 lengths, the largest winning margin in the race since 1900...
and match races, but he's the best in my lifetime." During the interview Cecil also said that he had expected the colt to win easily, despite having ample respect for his horse's rival Canford Cliffs.
Following Frankel's win in the Sussex Stakes
Sussex Stakes
The Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:...
, rumours abounded that Cecil would aim Frankel at the Juddmonte International Stakes at York in mid-August. The race, over a mile and a quarter, would be the first time Frankel would contest a race over that distance. However, after careful consideration with owner Prince Khalid Abdulla, Cecil announced the following day that the colt would have only one more race in 2011, in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
at Ascot's QIPCO British Champions Day on October 15 2011.
As a result of his victory in the Sussex Stakes
Sussex Stakes
The Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:...
, the British Horseracing Authority
British Horseracing Authority
The British Horseracing Authority, also known simply as the BHA, is the regulatory authority for horse racing in Great Britain.It was formed on 31 July 2007, after the merger of the British Horseracing Board and the Horseracing Regulatory Authority .Its stated objectives are to: “provide the most...
raised Frankel's official rating from 130 (tied with Australian horse Black Caviar
Black Caviar (horse)
Black Caviar is an undefeated Australian Thoroughbred racehorse, considered to be the best sprinter in the world, having been named WTRR World Champion Sprinter in 2010. On 31 March 2011 Black Caviar was rated one of the top Thoroughbred racehorses in the world for the first quarter of 2011 by...
) to 135, making him officially the best racehorse in the world.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
As was planned, Frankel lined-up in the Queen Elizabeth II StakesQueen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
. His presence did not scare off the opposition, with a strong eight-horse field in the race, including Excelebration, the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older...
winner. Immortal Verse, winner of Coronation Stakes
Coronation Stakes
The Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
and Prix Jacques Le Marois
Prix Jacques le Marois
The Prix Jacques Le Marois is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
. And also Dick Turpin, who won the Premio Vittorio di Capua
Premio Vittorio di Capua
The Premio Vittorio di Capua is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at San Siro, Milan, over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September or October.The event has held Group 1 status since...
that year. However, Frankel, despite hanging his head early when pulling too hard early in the race, was again too good, winning by 4 lengths with last-start Group 1 winners Excelebration and Immortal Verse filling the minor placings.
He was given a Timeform rating of 143 in this race, moving into sole third in the Timeform all-time flat rating list.
Possible Four-Year-Old Career
While Frankel has contested no further than a mile (eight furlongs) in his career to date, a four year-old campaign will comprise some of the premier ten-furlong races in the calendar. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdulla, has mentioned the Lockinge StakesLockinge Stakes
The Lockinge Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
at Newbury as a potential starting point, then "the Queen Anne
Queen Anne Stakes
The Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
or the Prince of Wales's Stakes
Prince of Wales's Stakes
The Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
, the Eclipse
Eclipse Stakes
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
and the Juddmonte
International Stakes
The International Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 88 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
." While Frankel has only raced in England, it is possible that the horse may contest the Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
in 2012 as a final career start.
Trainer Sir Henry Cecil has said that he believes his charge will improve for another winter and that the horse "will get a mile and a quarter very easily". The Newmarket trainer added: "He's really beginning to grow up. You're going to see a better horse next year and he's pretty good as he is."
Pedigree
Frankel is by champion sire GalileoGalileo (horse)
Galileo is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire. He is best known for winning the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby Stakes, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2001 and for his rivalry with the Godolphin champion Fantastic Light...
and out of Listed sprint-winner Kind. Although his sire won the Derby, doubts surfaced over whether Frankel's staying power would be sufficient for the mile-and-a-half race. Frankel was instead targeted towards the St James's Palace Stakes.