Frankel Quite Simply A Star of the Sport On And Off Track (12th October)

In the last seven days @JuddmonteFarms’ Frankel has sired an Arc winner in Alpinista, the year’s most expensive yearling at 2,800,000gns and now a 26th Gr.1 winner in Dewhurst hero Chaldean. Not a bad week’s work. pic.twitter.com/RS39kxcO6H

— James Thomas (@jamesbthomas11) October 8, 2022

The Best Frankel 2yo In Training 2022. 

Frankel, super sire, has been hitting the headlines and proving he is a world-class horse on and off the racecourse. 

Who could forget the 2022 Qatar Prix de I'arc de Triomphe (Group 1) at Longchamp, France with Frankel-sired Alpinista, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, ridden by Luke Morris, in the ownership of Miss K. Rausing to win prize money £2,400,840.34 (£2M+). What a supreme achievement for UK racing. 

I can remember Alpinista winning on debut as a two-year-old at Epsom when 9/4. She won unchallenged that day. Who would have thought at the age of five she would have raced 15 times, with 10 wins, 2 second placed efforts. Not to mention total prize earnings over £3M. 

See the Full Result Here. 

Talking of two-year-old racing we can't escape the influence of Frankel. 

Andrew Balding's Chaldean has been in flying form all season after needing his debut at Newbury (5th) has tasted victory in his next four starts concluding a battling effort when victorious in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) at Newmarket. Frankie Dettori gave this son of Frankel a fine ride to beat Royal Scotsman by a head. A brilliant sight racing in the ownership of Juddmonte (Frankel silks). 

See the Full Result Here. 

This chestnut colt has other noted achievements this formative season including victories at pattern class taking the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3) at York & Coral Champagne Stakes (Group 2) at Doncaster. 

Andrew Balding, trainer, said:  

We thought CHALDEAN was very good in early spring and into the summer but he got beaten first time out. Since then he has gone on and on. He had been out in front a long time and Frankie felt he kicked a little earlier than ideal but it was probably a race-winning move. He is versatile and he didn't have to make it but it didn't look like there was any obvious pace here. What we didn't want was it to turn into a sprint and for us to be out of our ground. He will be fine (in a Guineas) and the bigger the field the better off he will be. He is all speed on his dam side out of a Dutch Art mare and I'd be surprised if he got further than a mile. I don't know yet if we run him in a trial first, we'll see how he is training in the spring and make a decision there. I would be comfortable going straight to the Guineas but I can't be making that decision at the moment. 

Chaldean is presently 6/1 for the English 2000 Guineas, 2023, to be held at Newmarket, Saturday 6th 3 pm.

My one regret is not seeing Frankel race in his amazing career. 

However, to capture Frankel's true story in beautiful prose it's a delight to mention Simon Cooper's book release. 

This year is of particular importance to Frankel fans because it is the 10th anniversary of Frankel's final race - 14th which saw him retire to stud unbeaten and regarded by many as the greatest racehorse ever. And the link? Fishing Breaks' director and owner Simon Cooper wrote a knowledgeable and fascinating book about Frankel - Frankel, The Greatest Racehorse of All Time and the Sport That Made Him.

You can celebrate the 10th anniversary of famous racehorse Frankel by reading Simon Cooper's Frankel: The Greatest Racehorse of All Time and the Sport That Made Him 

The QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on 15 October marks the 10th anniversary of the fourteenth and final race of legendary racehorse Frankel, which saw him retire to stud unbeaten, regarded by many as the greatest racehorse to ever live. Author and founding director of Fishing Breaks in the Test Valley, Hampshire, who grew up around the racing world and spent the early part of his working career around horse-racing, wrote the highly acclaimed Frankel: The Greatest Racehorse of All Time and the Sport That Made Him which earned him a place in the shortlist for the Daily Telegraph Sport Book Awards in 2021. This is a great book to read in celebration of the 10th anniversary and to learn more about this remarkable racehorse. 

Over a three year career Frankel took all before him, not just the best of a very good generation but winning races by margins that left hardened race watchers speechless. He did not beat the opposition, he crushed them. But it was not always easy. Frankel was headstrong and difficult to train, his trainer Henry Cecil, after some years in the wilderness, returning to old glories with this amazing horse despite his personal battle with cancer which was to eventually overwhelm him soon after Frankel's last race. 

During the course of his work Simon Cooper was given exclusive access behind-the-scenes to the racing empire of Prince Abdulla, the owner and breeder of Frankel, with racing interests that cover the globe. To research the book Cooper followed in the footsteps of Frankel for over a year - from the stud in Ireland where he was conceived, then to Newmarket where he was born, then back to Ireland where he was raised before returning to Newmarket and the stables of Henry Cecil where he was trained. He then visited all the racecourses at which Frankel ran and talked with the many people closely associated with Frankel's career. 

Cooper has regularly met with Frankel at Banstead Manor in Suffolk where he now stands as stud and where he has sired many hundreds of offspring, many of whom have been immensely successful on the racecourse, making Frankel one of the most sought after stallions in the world, with a covering fee of £200,000. 

Frankel: The Greatest Racehorse of All Time and the Sport That Made Him was published by William Collins and is available in hardback and paperback from all good bookshops and online. It makes for a fascinating read for everyone, not just horse or racing enthusiasts. It's also an ideal gift or an interesting Book Club read! 

Praise for Frankel: The Greatest Racehorse of All Time and the Sport That Made Him ‘An imaginative retelling of the legendary story … Cooper paints a complete picture of Frankel, charting his meteoric rise from the first years of his life through to his glorious send-off when winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot … transporting the reader with his vivid descriptions … While he is undoubtedly the star of the show, this book is about so much more than just Frankel … Thanks to Cooper, and his dedication to colouring the blanks in this famous story, we can now know Frankel a little better too' Racing Post ‘

Well-researched and written with an enthusiast's brio. Moreover, it is utterly engrossing … Frankel's story is an extraordinary one and Cooper tells it in an easy, compelling style … [He] takes the reader on an equine pilgrimage, all the more thrilling as the object of veneration is still just 12 years old and standing at stud near Newmarket' The Field 

‘Simon Cooper does a sterling job … a wry, amiable guide, Cooper takes intriguing tangents aplenty … his real skill, though, lies in detailing Frankel's day-to-day life' inewspaper

7 Top Frankel Two-Year-Olds in 2019

Frankel never ceases to amaze. 

A legend on the racecourse and super sire extraordinaire. Juddmonte Farms must be over the moon with his continued success. Frankel Blog has followed the journey of many a talented Frankel two-year-old for this season of 2019. Personally, I thought last year's juveniles were a touch lacking. However, there was much to write about this Flat turf season which saw a host of winners including patter-class success. 

Take a moment to review the list of two-year-old Frankel offspring that have captured the imagination. 

Visit Juddmonte Stallion Frankel - Two-Year-Olds.  

My Top 7 Frankel Two-Year-Olds of 2019:

1) Quadrilateral - Trained by Roger Charlton 

Without question, Quadrilateral has proven a star turn this Flat turf season winning her first three starts for Khalid Abdullah. This chestnut daughter of Frankel out of the mare Nimble Fingers has progressed with racing. She won on debut at Newbury (7f) beating Mambo Nights by a neck. 

This April foal improved markedly on her second start over course and distance, ridden, once again, by Jason Watson. Being held up off the pace, she made smooth headway to lead well over one furlong out before drawing right away to an impressive victory beating the second horse [Kalsara, trained by Andrew Balding] by nine lengths.    

If that wasn't enough, Charlton had his eye on the biggest prize. Quadrilateral headed to Newmarket, stepping up to one mile, to compete in the bet365 Fillies' Mile (Group 1). She needed to be at the top of her game, chasing Hugo Palmer's Powerful Breeze who, for all the world, looked to have stolen a march on the Frankel filly who had several lengths to make up. In the closing furlong, Quadrilateral ran on with purpose to collar the leader and won by a head at a starting price of 9/4. 

She is now favourite to take the 1,000 Guineas to be held at Newmarket in 2020.

2) Queen's Daenerys - Trained by Roger Varian 

Beyond Quadrilateral, the following horses are simply my opinion based on racecourse achievement and promise. 

Queen's Daenerys was always held in high regard by Carlburg Stables, Newmarket. Roger Varian had a decent string of juveniles and this bay daughter of Frankel out of an unraced US mare [Song To Remember] made a pleasing debut at Ascot when running on well to finish over three lengths behind Richard Hannon's Cloak Of Spirits who was in flying form for her debut. 

In the ownership of H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, this February foal stepped up to one mile on her second start at Newmarket when beaten John Gosden's Wasaayef by a neck. The 5/4f was quoted as: ''stayed on gamely.''

Her third start saw her finish fifth place in the Fillies' Mile behind Quadrilateral. The 16/1 wasn't held in quite the standing of Charlton's filly but ran a sterling race when beaten just over five-and-a-half lengths.

3) Alpinista - Trained by Sir Mark Prescott 

This grey daughter of Frankel out of a four-time winning mare [Alwilda] (similarly owned and trained) started her career in imperious fashion when winning ''unchallenged'' at Epsom at odds of 9/4. Although it wasn't the strongest of races, there was a lot to like about Kirsten Rausing's February foal. 

Alpinista was given a lofty string of entries that saw her head to Goodwood when competing in the Ladbroke Prestige Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies). After being restless in the stalls, and slowly away, she was a touch outpaced but plugged on to finish a creditable sixth place beaten a similar number of lengths. By all accounts, connections must have been expecting a little more from the 3/1 shot. 

Connections made the judgment Alpinista needed a stiffer test of stamina to show her worth and headed to France for her final two-year-old start when competing at Longchamp in the Prix d'Amumale (Group 3) (Fillies) on good to soft going. Once again, she toiled at the rear of the field and hard ridden to make ground but plugged on well to finish fourth, missing third place on the nod. Alpinista lost by one length and looks a stayer in the making. 

4) Melnikova - Sir Michael Stoute 

Freemason Lodge Stables had at least 10 Frankel two-year-olds this 2019 season. I must admit, I was raving about Melnikova. This daughter of Frankel races in the familiar silks of Cheveley Park Stud, the mare, Safina, who was similarly owned and trained. This chestnut filly was priced 8/1 when making her debut at Kempton over seven-furlong, taking her time to get going, but flying at the line to win by a neck. Interestingly, Sir Michael Stoute fielded another Frankel debutant that day in Tanita who finished third, losing by a length, and looking sure to win after taking the lead in the final furlong. 

Melnikova was made 5/4 on her next start. In a tough-looking seven-runner field at Newbury, she was put in her place by Quadrilateral (Frankel) who powered home to win by nine lengths. Melnikova led for most but had to settle for third place when losing second to Andrew Balding's Kalsara. It will be interesting to see whether Stoute's chestnut filly will be targetted at the 1,000 Guineas. It's possible she wasn't at her best at Newbury, although beaten by a filly who has proven her class.

5) Juan Elcano - Kevin Ryan 

Racing in the familiar silks of Sheik Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, this chestnut son of Frankel was always highly regarded by Ryan and seen flying up the gallops at Hambleton Lodge, Hambleton, Thirsk. The mare [Whatami] wasn't the fastest of horses on her three career starts. However, this April foal was sent off 6/4 favourite when making his debut at Haydock over seven furlongs. He stayed on well to beaten Mark Johnston's Subjectivist by a neck, beating the third by eight lengths. 

Just over one month later, Juan Alcano competed in the bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket. He ran well, chasing the eventual winner, Mystery Power, losing by one length. 

His concluding start of the Flat turf season saw him race at Doncaster in the Pommery Champagne Stakes (Group 2). A small field of just five runners saw Juan Elcano finish a respectable third place who was beaten a length at odds of 4/1. 


6) Highest Ground - Sir Michael Stoute

This bay colt is a son of Frankel out of a winning French-raced mare. Highest Ground was fancied to go well on his debut at Leicester when running on well over 7f to win at odds of 3/1. Racing in the familiar silks of the Niarchos Family time will tell how this son of Frankel figures in the pecking order but a promising start.

7) Franconia - John Gosden

Racing in the Frankel silks, Franconia, a bay daughter of Frankel out of a twice-winning mare [Winter Sunrise] was fancied to win on debut at Chelmsford. The 9/4 joint-favourite ran on well but was denied by neck to finish a creditable second place. Better will be seen on her next start. Could make into a decent three-year-old. 

Frankel Blog: Alpinista Fails to Shine in Prestige Stakes at Goodwood

Yes, it seems a long time between drinks. I'm sure that phrase is used by people in all ways of life especially if they haven't had a winning ride, or a trainer has been stuck on the cold list longer than it takes a glacier to melt. 

So, we've seen a few Frankel two-year-olds dipping their two into a higher class. Alpinista for Sir Mark Prescott. This grey daughter of Frankel, racing in the familiar silks of Miss Kirsten Rausing, made a flying start to proceedings at Epsom when racing over 7f. She started 9/4 and beat the opposition without too much fuss. To be fair, the form of that race is pretty poor. 

Anyway, she won. By a string of Group-race entries, she is held in high regard and far from fearful of stepping up to loftier climbs. 

Next stop Ladbroke's Prestige Stakes (Group 3) at Goodwood, over 7f on good going. She was well backed from 4/1 - 3/1, which considering the level of her form, looked on the short side to me. Clearly, her reputation proceeded her. Just seven horses made the line-up and the Alpinista finished a creditable sixth, beaten just under six lengths. 

In many respects, it was a so-so performance. Racing at the back of the field, she plugged on as if a step up to one mile would bring further improvement. 

The race was won by Tom Dascombe's Boomer, who is a tough filly. I particularly like the way she battles to the line. This quality has been seen on both her last two wins, and she really looks as though she relishes a good, old scrap. 

Alpinista has a couple of lofty entries for later in the reason including the Shadwell Rockfell Stakes (Group 2) over 7f. And the bet365 Fillies' Mile (Group 1), which is run over a mile (as the name suggests). 

Both contests look tough. After her last effort over 7f, the Rockfell Stakes looks too short a trip. It would be exciting to see Alpinista go for the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket, simply because you just don't find a better race to prove your class. 

Good luck to connections. 

Improving Frankel Filly Alpinista Ready to Shine at Curragh for Sir Mark Prescott

Frankel Blog loves to keep its readers informed. 

Sir Mark Prescott had been on the cold list for some time. Winners as scarce as some mythical beast said to fly up the gallops at Heath House Stables. As the video (below) suggests, it's a place of secrets. Almost Willy Wonka like in evolution. It's reputed Sir Mark Prescott stopped a child from sucking an Ever Lasting Gobstopper by tempting him to smoke a large Cuban cigar! 

When it comes to horse racing Sir Mark Prescott is a class act. If he trains a two-year-old debut winner. Take note. Why? Because it is often the sign of a very talented horse going places. 

I'm not sure how many Frankel offspring he has trained (not many) and Alpinista is a beautiful grey filly who caught the eye when making her debut at Epsom when winning the Epsom & Ewell Phab EBF Maiden Stakes (Plus 10). This daughter of Frankel out of a three-time winning mare [Alwilda] races in the familiar silks of Kirsten Rausing. The mare was a progressive horse starting from a lowly official rating of just 73 but concluded her career with a rating of 99. She enjoyed a trip. At two, she raced over 7f but won at Listed class at 2m 3f when racing at Cologne, Germany. She achieved 4 wins in a 24-race career.

Aplinista was well found in the market at Epsom. She was backed to 9/4. In truth, it was no more than an average race. However, she finished with gusto as the race comments detail: ''pushed out, unchallenged''. 

I suspect Alpinista will have progressed a good deal from that first start. A couple of lofty race entries suggest this grey will be contesting group class. 

She holds an entry at the Curragh for Friday 23rd August 2019 to compete in the Debutante Stakes (Group 2). At the time of writing, 43 fillies have been declared, so it will be interesting to see if she make the line-up. 

It is interesting to note, she held an entry for the Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3) won by Mark Johnston's West End Girl. 

It could well be the case connections favour the Irish raid.

Alpinista is one of the leading Frankel 2yos for this season of 2019.

Related post: Sir mark Prescott & the Story About a Goat 

Frankel Watch (2yo): Alpinista to Make Debut for Sir Mark Prescott

Well, we have seen a few Frankel 2yos making waves these last few weeks. 

Juan Elcano ran a superb race when runner-up in the Superlative Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket. 

Frankel's Storm made a nice debut at Newmarket on the same Saturday for Nick Bradley Racing. 

Frankel Blog is all about detailing Frankel 2yos and especially so when making their racecourse bow. In addition, we love to follow their story along the way when they achieve success whether a win at maiden or contesting pattern class. 

Great news!!!!

Sir Mark Prescott is always a trainer to follow. Heath House Stables have always been at the top of the tree when it comes to big winners. In recent years, their two-year-old string has been a little depleted but you can guarantee.     

Interesting to see that Miss Kirsten Rausing has a homebred Frankel filly ready to race. Alpinista is a grey daughter of Frankel. This February foal is out of the mare Alwilda, who was unraced for the same connections and trainer. 

This filly is declared to race on Thursday 18th July at Epsom in the Epsom & Ewell Phab EBF Maiden Stakes (Plus 10 Race) over 7f. 

Taking a moment to review Juddmonte Farms Stallions I can see that Sir Mark Prescott has the following Frankel two-year-olds (2yos) in training. 

Miss Frangipani: A chestnut filly out of Miss Cap Estel bred by Pearce, Exors of the Late Mr J L C

Lovely won on debut for Alpinista

Watch the Race Here

#Alpinista #horseracing #sirmarkprescott