Wonder horse Frankel races to victory in final run

The four-year-old Frankel has now won 14 races from as many starts, securing his reputation as one of the world’s greatest race horses.

The colt won his 10th group one race with a trademark display of pure brilliance and speed – despite being slowly away from the stalls. Sent off the 2-11 favourite, Khalid Abdullah’s wonder horse took up the running from Cirrus Des Aigles over a furlong out under his jockey Tom Queally. He eventually pulled away from the French raider to win comfortably by a length and three-quarters.

Trained by Sir Henry Cecil, the colt has captured the public imagination like no other horse since Desert Orchid, and has managed to spark interest in the sport from outside the racing world. Frankel is the son of 2001 Epsom Derby winner Galileo – a leading stallion in her own right, who won six races during her career.

Frankel beat five rivals in the £1.3m Qipco Champions Stakes, including his half-brother Bullet Train, and was watched by a sell-out crowd of 32,000 during the highlight of British Champions Day.

I am so lucky to have been allocated Frankel to train. He has been an inspiration and challenge, which I really needed so badly. Sir Henry Cecil

There had been concerns that the ground may have been too demanding and that Frankel may have been be pulled out of the race. But a dry night at the Berkshire circuit helped soothe those fears.

Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah confirmed that Frankel has run his last race and will be retired to stud after winning.

Read more: Sports Correspondent Keme Nzerem asks is Frankel the ultimate racehorse?

Frankel an ‘inspiration’

Sir Henry has said that Frankel is the best animal he has ever handled in 44 years of working with horses, and that the relationship sustained him though his recent battle against stomach cancer.

“I am so lucky to have been allocated Frankel to train. He has been an inspiration and challenge, which I really needed so badly,” he said last week. “Through my illness, I feel that the help from my wife Jane and the determination to be there for Frankel has helped me so much to get through the season.”

As Frankel raced his final victory lap, racing chiefs have spoken of the need to build on his legacy.

Simon Bazalgette, chief executive of Jockey Club Racecourses, which runs major tracks including Aintree, Cheltenham and Newmarket, said that racing must look at all avenues to build on the momentum the likes of Frankel have created.

“Frankel has been fantastic for British racing,” said Mr Bazalgette. “He has given racing fans performances to get really excited about and helped our sport head news bulletins and go beyond the racing pages.

“Once retired his legend and positive impact can continue for years to come, particularly if his progeny turn out to be stars.”