As a new one-hour documentary on Frankel and his trainer Sir Henry Cecil airs on Channel 4 this evening (13 June), Sir Henry’s widow Lady Cecil reveals more about her late husband and his wonder horse.
Frankel retired in 2012 unbeaten in 14 races, propelling Sir Henry back into the spotlight and boosting his career after some low years. The trainer died in June 2013 of cancer, and Lady Cecil took over the trainer’s licence. Frankel now stands at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket, with his first crop of foals being sold last autumn.
Can you tell us more about Frankel’s character and personality?
Frankel is an intelligent and exuberant horse. He has a magnificent action, with that extraordinary stride that made him stand out. Henry worked with him, along with his work-rider, Shane Fetherstonhaugh, to channel that enthusiasm in the best possible way. He learned to settle beautifully in his races. He was definitely a dominant male and, along with his three-parts brother Bullet Train, enjoyed leading the string out onto the heath every morning. It was fabulous for all of us to have such a charismatic and talented horse in the stable.
Sir Henry had an intrinsic and unique connection with Frankel. Can you tell us a little more about it?
Henry had a very strong connection with Frankel. The experience gained from working with racehorses all his life meant he just knew which way to go with Frankel at every turn. Indeed, in Henry’s mind’s eye, he understood how the horse would develop and at what pace. This allowed him to plan the horse’s campaign, in terms of what races he would take in, when to step up him in trip.
Together Sir Henry and Frankel had an incredible journey. Can you share with us one of your fondest memories of the pair?
It is hard to know where to begin because there were so many special days — the 2000 Guineas, the first Sussex Stakes and, of course, his final race at Ascot. But I think the most exhilarating experience came at York when he won the Juddmonte International Stakes (below). Henry had undergone a lot of treatment in the build-up to the race and wasn’t feeling great, but he was absolutely determined to saddle the horse and be there for him. It was the first time Frankel had been asked to go a mile and a quarter, plus it was a race sponsored by the Prince. I recall there being a massive crowd and an incredible atmosphere at York that day and, of course, Frankel rose to the occasion. The effortless way he came past his rivals to lead and then go on was just amazing. And the reaction from the race-goers was magical. Henry seemed to get a major boost from watching Frankel win that day. I will never forget it.
The programme, entitled The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel, will air on Channel 4 on Saturday 13 June 2015 at 7pm