The Remarkable Frankel

One of horse racing’s most renowned horse is a 14-time unbeaten winner who was the highest-rated racehorse in the world from 2011. Khalid Abdullah owned the horse and trained by the great Henry Cecil. Thus, the name “Frankel” was after the late American trainer Bobby Frankel, one of the most victorious trainers in the history of thoroughbred racing, who died in 2009. 

Despite the trending Kentucky derby expert picks 2019 today which include diverse and talented horses, Frankel, a retired racehorse was also the best pick of his time. 

2010 

Frankel was born February 11, 2008, and not until 2010 that he started his racing career as a 2-year-old. 

Maiden Stakes

A mile distance Maiden Stakes race in Newmarket, Frankel slowly broke out the soft ground’s starting gate held up by his jockey Tom Queally. Although it is Frankel’s first race as a 2-year-old, it did not stop him from finishing the race first and making a winning bow gesture. 

Condition Stakes 

During the Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes held last September 10, 2010, at the Doncaster racetrack, Frankel set up the pace ahead of the two opponents in a 7 furlongs racetrack and finished first. 

Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes

Fifteen days after his second race, September 25, 2010, Frankel blew away all the other contenders by an astonishing ten lengths during the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes which was sponsored by his owner, Khalid Abdullah. Even the trainer himself was very impressed with Frankel’s performances. 

Dubai Dewhurst Stakes

It was Frankel’s first Group 1 level race featuring two famous unbeaten colts Dream Ahead and Saamidd, in a race track with a distance of 7 furlongs. Ending the run with a 1:25.73 time, Frankel never missed a chance to prove his talent to the audience and that he is worthy of their bets. It was his 4th win since he started racing and the last for the year. 

2011

Two years in horse racing, three-year-old Frankel continues to live his coveted title as the highest-rated and award-winning racehorse. 


Greenham Stakes

Way back April 16, 2011, the seven-furlong race Greenham Stakes took place at Newbury with a total of six contenders. One of it was Frankel who first timely raced as a three-year-old at a Grade three level race. The Greenham Stakes, considered as the preparatory race for the Qipco 2000 Guineas, nailed by Frankel and now he’s ready for the upcoming event. Qipco 2000 Guineas One of Frankel’s most significant performance is running a mile soft ground race track in Newmarket on April 30, 2011. His victory in this race is still considered the most exceptional performance ever seen in Britain. With the other jockeys in the field, Frankel surprised them by jumping straight to the lead and winning the race by six lengths clear of his nearest rival. 

St. James’s Palace Stakes 

It was a close fight with Rerouted who was all clear to go in the early stages. Held at the Ascot, Frankel was still well on top at the finish line last June 11, 2011, despite some audience considered it to be an ill-judged ride which Queally, the jockey, received much criticism after the race. 

Qipco Sussex Stakes

The “Duel on the Downs” as they commonly call it, Frankel quickly broke from the gate of the Goodwood racecourse in England and got an early lead for the first few furlongs by a few lengths. Given the four horses racing in the field, it is much convenient to the versatile Frankel to dominate as soon as the gate opened. Thus, he won the race first. 

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 

With a million pounds in prize money, Frankel who took the race on October 15, 2011, run in an effortless fashion to maintain his unbeaten career record. It was his ninth successive victory and, he roamed clear to win by four lengths against Excelebration. 

2012 

Frankel’s four-year-old season and the retirement of the greatest racehorse.

JLT Lockinge Stakes 

Storming to victory by five lengths, Frankel maintained a hundred percent record in the race dated June 19, making it his 10th win in his two years of horse racing. The 2-7 favourite, lead the race again leaving Exceleberation at the 2nd place for the fourth time. 

Queen Anne Stakes 

June 19, 2012, Frankel showed he is getting better with every race with landing odds of 1-10. Ending the run with the audience in awe, Frankel prolonged his triumph by 11 lengths effortlessly away from Excelebration. 

Sussex Stakes 

Racing with three opponents, Frankel topped the race at Goodwood. He repeated his previous year’s victory in the Sussex Stakes now with the odds of 1-20 chance. Asked by his jockey to quicken just over a furlong out, the answer was immediate as he slammed six lengths the high-class Farhh without breaking a sweat. 

Juddmonte International Stakes

Ridden with more patience, no doubt Frankel had the endurance to succeed over 10 furlongs and was sent off as the 1/10 favourite. Even the legendary St. Nicholas Abbey was left out behind Frankel, reminding people that he wasn’t beating just ordinary horses. 

Champion Stakes

Unbeaten Frankel capped his 14th victory in horse racing on October 20, 2012. For the last time, he beat Cirrus Des Aigles by a length-and-three-quarters before retiring as a racehorse. 

Takeaway 

Winning is something people can be proud of. Whether it may be in the academe, games, or through sports. Frankel’s 14 years of consecutive victory is worthy of the award-winning gestures and praises. Thus, remembering the people behind those successes should be as crucial as Frankel’s awards too. Because without their perseverance of wanting to win the race, highest-rated racehorse Frankel will not achieve its title.

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

Did Frankel Win the Epsom Derby?

Sir Henry Cecil and Frankel pic.twitter.com/kbYj3MMkAJ

— Sports & Betting History (@CDCHistory) July 16, 2019

Did Frankel win the Epsom Derby?

The simple answer is no. 

Sir Henry Cecil's colt went on to be unbeaten in 14 starts over three seasons from 2010 - 2012. 

In my opinion his greatest performance was seen in the 2000 Guineas, which took place at Newmarket's Rowley Mile. 

Cecil considered running Frankel in the Epsom Derby, probably knowing it would be the ultimate victory of an exceptional horse. He made the decision to stick to one mile with the exception of his final two starts when stepping up to 1m 2 1/2f when pulverising the opposition at York by seven lengths. If you want a change of seen from horse racing take a look at aussie online casino and enjoy some action. 

His victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) as he was priced 1/10f. Race comments: ''Went clear one furlong out, impressive.''

Frankel concluded his racing career at Ascot when winning the Champion Stakes which is raced over 1m 2f. 

Perhaps one of the bravest decisions made by Sir Henry Cecil was not being tempted to run Frankel in the Epsom Derby and chancing whether he would have sufficient stamina to last 1m 4f. 

It would have been the colt's ultimate test. 

Would he have won the Epsom Derby? 

I wouldn't even like to answer that question because, in truth, I don't feel qualified or opinionated to do so. However, I do have something which may pique your interest with casino en ligne en france for a truly exciting experience. Always so much fun to get involve.  

You have to consider that the decision to race or not in the Derby was taken long and hard and connections simply didn't want to take the chance of a loss. 

In hindsight, it was most probably the right decision. To finish his racing career unbeaten there is always the mystique of thinking what was possible. 

He did the impossible but he could have possibly done more. 

Perhaps he could well have won the Epsom Derby. 

We can only imagine.

Related story: Ducking the Epsom Derby no disgrace for 2,000 Guineas winner Frankel

Frankel 2yo Eye Catchers for 2021

It's been a little while since I last write a post. As you may appreciate the Frankel two-year-olds (2yos) for the 2021 season are in no rush to reveal themselves. However, we do have three talented juveniles to detail which all will be winners although one of those has proven to be a disappointment and odds-on loser. 

Put these in your notebook.

Triple Time, trained by Kevin Ryan.

This son of Frankel out of a three-time winning mare made a taking debut at Leicester [1/6/21]. Racing in the familiar silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, this March foal faced stiff competition over 6f on good-to-firm ground. A gallant third place looked all the more promising when you watch the race as this bay colt was dramatically slow from the stalls, keen, but ran on in the fashion of a classy horse. There will be lots more to come from this good-looking son of Frankel. Kevin Ryan does well with his two-year-olds and seen a number of winners this season. There was money for Triple Time who was backed from 9/1 - 17/2. The form of that race will hold up and John Gosden's winner Dhabab looks a real talent, while Archie Watson's second placed Sweeping will be winning soon. It's not beyond the realms Triple Time is the best of the lot. I'd be surprised if he doesn't win next time out in a normal maiden and connections could fancy a chance at Royal Ascot.    

Find, trained by John Gosden. 

Another Frankel colt in the capable care of John & Thady Gosden. This April foal is owned by Prince A A Faisal, a home bred from Nawara Stud Limited. This bay colt is out of a very talented mare who four times from nineteen starts, victorious at Grade 1, accruing over £500,000 in total prize earnings.  Find made his debut at Great Yarmouth [28/5/21] over 7f on good ground. This race fielded a number of talented two-year-olds including the comfortable winner New Science trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin who proved a classy favourite and clearly a horse that will contend group class racing sooner than later. Find was fancied in the betting [11/2]. Draw in stall one, this good-looking colt, who looked in very good condition, travelled just in behind the pace, hitting the front at the two pole, going as well as anything, and not given a hard time at all in the closing furlong when the favourite went on. I would expect a big run on his second start and another to be contesting pattern class. I'm pretty sure the form of the Yarmouth race will reveal a number of winners. 

Fall Of Rome, trained by Charlie Appleby. 

This bay colt is an April foal in training with Charlie Appleby in the familiar royal blue silks of Godolphin. This son of Frankel is out of a debut-winning mare who also prevailed at Listed class, and contested pattern class on six occasions. 

Fall Of Rome has been something of a punter's nightmare, beaten favourite on his first two starts to date and failing to shine when only finishing third at odds-on [4/11] when the going may have been a touch too soft for this horse. He looked something of an unlucky loser when running from a long way off the pace at Ascot on debut when racing over 5f which may have been on the sharp side. By all accounts it was a disappointing effort at Goodwood but I'm sure a win will be coming within the next few starts. Perhaps a drop back in distance on better ground will be the answer. 

Three promising Frankel 2yo colts who will be winning soon.

Frankel Offspring Heading for 2021 Guineas Glory

With the 2021 Flat turf season on the horizon we're looking at the 2000 Guineas betting markets. 

How many Frankel-sired three-year-olds are heading to Newmarket to compete on 1st May? 

From a vast string of Frankel two-year-olds, the number of live candidates are few. In fact, just two Frankel British-trained colts may be heading to the Guineas Rowley Mile. Part of the QIPCO British Champions Series. 

With win prize money of £212,663 competition is stiff. 

Starting with the 2000 Guineas, 1st May 2021

Just two Frankel three-year-old colts have been given entries for this prestigious Group 1 race. Not forgetting, Frankel won the 2000 Guineas back in 2011. Personally, I think this was one of his most impressive wins. I will add a YouTube video for readers to enjoy. I have never seen a horse hold such an incredible advantage when racing at the highest level. 

A truly exceptional racehorse and stallion. 

Anyway, let's get to the Frankel 2000 Guineas hopes.

At the time of writing there are 72 entrants with a maximum of 25 horses allowed to take part on the big day. 

Take a look at the 2000 Guineas entries here.  

Latest Generation, trained by Simon & Ed Crisford, in the ownership of Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum.   

This son of Frankel is exceptionally well bred out of Rizeena, who was a supreme talent for Clive Brittain in his latter years of training. She raced 16 times achieving 5 wins, the same number of seconds and one third place. 

She raced 14 times at Group level, a dual Group one winner including the Curragh's Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1), Ireland, aged two & Coronation Stakes (Group 1) at Royal Ascot, aged three. 

Rizeena ran in the 1000 Guineas (2014) when finishing seventh behind Miss France. Clive Brittain's filly was fancied to go well and priced 9/2. 

A class filly, she was runner-up on four other occasions at the highest level. 

With an all-time high official rating of 115 and total earning of £632,315, it's no surprise she is remembered by many. 

Simon & Ed Crisford will be hoping Latest Generation can live up to the lofty heights of his mother. 

This bay colt, a February foal, is presently a 50/1 shot for the 2000 Guineas. He has run three times in his formative season. 

He won comfortably on his second start at Doncaster (1m) and dipped his toe into pattern class when a 5/1 chance. He was well beaten in the Emirates Autumn Stakes (Group 3) when finishing seventh a similar number of lengths behind One Ruler, trained by Charlie Appleby. 

By all accounts, Latest Generation needs to find a good deal of improvement to win this Classic race, although it is an open race with the O'Brien family (Aidan & Joseph) holding the first four favourites although the shortest being 8/1. 

The other Frankel 2000 Guineas hope is a similarly exceptionally well bred horse. In fact the sire winning the 2000 Guineas in 2011 and the dam winning the 1000 Guineas in 2004. 

Sayf Al Dawla, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam is very much an unknown quantity and needs to be the exception to the rule. This unraced colt, an April foal, must have been catching the eye on the gallops.

In the ownership of Ms Sally Elizabeth Wall, this son of Frankel cost 525,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales (Book 1) 2019 [Lot 180]. He was originally purchased by Phoenix Thoroughbreds.    

As noted, the dam of Sayf Al Dawla was an exceptionally talented racehorse and prolific dam, who was trained by Mark Johnston.

Attraction is a horse that hit the headlines for her talent and poor conformation. 

She raced 15 times and achieved 10 wins, runner-up on two occasions. In fact, she won her first eight races consecutively. 

Attraction, was something of an enigma, renowned for her wonky legs, she was every inch a superstar. 

In fact, her half length win in the 1000 Guineas (2004) was part of that successive effort. For good measure she headed to the Curragh three weeks later winning the Irish 1000 Guineas in comfortable fashion. 

Racing at Group one class nine times she won five times and was runner-up on two occasions. 

With a highest official rating of 119, she had total earnings of £899,597. 

Probably one of the best racing and breeding mares on the planet. 

It will be interesting to see how Sayf Al Dawla goes this new Flat turf season and whether this son of Frankel is a live chance to make the Guineas. Considering he is priced 40/1, he must be held is some regard and has lofty expectations. 

In addition, he has an entry for the Epsom Derby and ante post priced at 100/1.

Sayf Al Dawla will most likely make his appearance early season and win a maiden before perhaps a Classic trial. 

Although a colt who is held in high regard, very much at the start of his journey as a potentially smart racehorse. 

Looking forward to the 2000 Guineas?

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Read our last post: Snow Lantern Lighting the Way for Hannon in 1000 Guineas

Frankel Watch 2020: Barn Owl Coming Home to Roost for Charlton (30th September)

Taking a look at today's two-year-old racing. 

The eye is drawn to the 6:00 Kempton - 1m Unibet/British Stallion Stud EBF Stakes (Class 2) (2yo).

By all accounts, it looks a competitive heat with a large field of juveniles, headed by Charlie Appleby's Siskany, who made a fine introduction at Sandown two-weeks ago, when finishing fifth. 

If the betting is to be believed, this is a four-cornered affair with Siskany, Siam Fox, Landing System and Barn Owl in the mix. 

Roger Charlton's Barn Owl is worthy of closer inspection as this son of Frankel, out of the eight-time-winning mare Thistle Bird, was well backed on debut in July at Newbury when finishing 9th of fifteen. Racing over 7f, that was a pretty hot race, although I'm sure connections were expecting more from their bay colt. 

In the ownership of Nat Rothschild, this well-bred colt is stepping up to a mile and after a seventy-four day absence should be primed. In ways he has a similar profile to his half-brother, Bullfinch, similarly owned and trained, who disappointed on debut at Newbury when priced 5/1, before winning in sparkling fashion on his second start. 

The mare, Thistle Bird (pictured), was a very good racehorse who raced 20 times, achieved 8 wins and unplaced on just six occasions in a career which saw her conclude a lucrative four seasons with a Group 1 success winning the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, racing over 1m 2f. An official rating of 116 and total prize earnings of £359,443 detail a very classy horse. 

Barn Owl didn't have much go right for him on debut when racing prominently but hampered in the closing stages which put pay to any live hope of winning. 

Roger Charlton will be expecting more from this March foal today and even though a competitive race, should go well and be battling for the win. 

Other 2YO Frankel offspring trained by Roger Charlton include:

Quilted 

Palafou

Victory Roll 

Keeper

Dalma 

Beheld (winner on debut)

Good luck to connections.

Thistle Bird Winning Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1) 

Frankel Watch: Fabilis Wins at Nottingham for Ralph Beckett (27th September)

Two-year-old Frankel offspring have been in flying form this season and Fabilis (pictured) is proving a quality horse after winning his last two starts. 

This son of Frankel out of a four-time-winning mare [Mirabilis] was fancied to go well on his debut at Newbury when racing over 7f, back in August, finishing a creditable sixth on rain-softened ground. 

However, this April foal proved all the rage when heavily backed on his second start at Chepstow, when opposing Il Bandito, who looked a pretty stern challenger after showing ample ability on his two previous starts. Fabilis' supporters were buoyant as this bay colt finished with purpose winning in comfortable fashion. 

An official rating of 82 looked quite a stiff mark, but connections must have considered it an alternative route and stepping up to a trip of one mile and half a furlong a positive as the 13/8f (drifting from 5/4) made all, if not a touch keen, staying on well to hold the late challenge of State Patrol by one length. 

Racing in the Frankel silks [K. Abdullah], ridden by William Buick, this was a smart performance for the colt who looks to have a good future ahead of him and very well placed by Ralph Beckett. 

It would be no surprise to see him stepping up in trip and to pattern class next year if not this. 

William Buick said: ''Fabilis kept going well and the step up in trip suited him. He's got plenty of stamina in his pedigree and looking at him I'm sure he'll improve next year as well.''

See Fabilis Full Result on Racing Post. 

Other two-year-old Frankel offspring for Ralph Beckett include: 

Vesela 

Trainer @RalphBeckett's last 21 runners

🥇 Nine winners
🥈 Three seconds
📉 43% strike-rate

Fabilis his latest winner at @NottsRacecourse @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/IOuVqEkDsb

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 27, 2020

Ed Walker Frankel Duo in Burgeoning String

Ed Walker has always been a very talented trainer. 

Last year his two-year-old string showed promise. 

Kingsdown Stable had 20 two-year-old runners for the Flat turf season. Nina Bailarina proved a talented filly. This daughter Lope De Vega lost by a neck on debut, then slammed the opposition by five lengths when storming clear at Newmarket. Then a sterling effort at Maisons-Laffitte, France, when runner-up when losing by just half a length in the Prix Eclipse (Group 3). She was too keen to do herself justice when finishing last when taking part in the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1). A concluding race in France saw a poor effort when a losing favourite at Chantilly when contesting the Prix Yacowlef (Listed Race). 

I'm pretty sure Ed Walker's two-year-olds are going to be a different proposition this new season. 

Why? 

For starters, he has a greatly increased string of juveniles. From what I can see, Ed Walker's string of two-year-olds has burgeoned to forty. 

Not only has his string increased, but the quality of horse and hefty price tags suggests he will be a powerhouse this season. 

For instance, let's take a look at the two-year-old owner's:

Lady Bamford 
Mr Laurence Bellman 
Kangyu International Racing (HK) Ltd
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing 
Mr David Ward 
Nat Rothschild 
Mr S Stuckey 
Miss Kirsten Rausing 
Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds 
Mrs Fitri Hay 

This brings us to the interesting part specific to Frankel Blog because Ed Walker has a couple (duo) of Frankel's offspring. As far as I'm aware, these are the first of his progeny at Kingsdown. 

Firstly, we have BELOVED, a March bay filly, out of the mare Love And Bubbles, in the ownership of Mr David Ward. Bred by Love And Bubbles Partnership went through the yearling sales and cost 350,000GNS. The French-raced mare won twice from nine starts. Including a Listed race at Toulouse and a Group 3 victory at Chantilly. Both victories came over 8/9 furlongs. She achieved total prize winnings of £56,939. She will make an impact this season and a horse to take note of.

Ed Walker could be spoilt for choice with a second Frankel two-year-old (2yo). NAVEGAON GATE is a bay colt out of the dam Cascata, bred by Farm Cove Thoroughbreds Ltd. This April foal is homebred out of a debut winner at two, who raced just five times in total. In some respects, she was a fair performer achieving an official rating of 80 on concluding her career with total prize earning of just £6,703. Navegaon Gate is owned by Mr S Stuckey who is no stranger to talented horses. 

So Ed Walker could well be a trainer going places this season. I am pretty sure he will make an impact this season and be noted by punters high and low. 

Here's to a good season.

Take a look at Frankel's 2yo offspring here published on Juddmonte Stallion Frankel Two-year-Olds.  

⭐️MEET THE TEAM⭐️

Watch Episode 4 of our Meet The Team series via the link below 🎥⬇️ https://t.co/AOgfRPTJ6F pic.twitter.com/9vmvjJpI26

— Ed Walker Racing (@edwalkerracing) May 21, 2020

Want to know the best 2yo horses in training - visit Group Horse to get the inside deal. As a bonus get Easy Professional Gambler Mailing Series. 

Frankel's Horse Racing Story Could be Made into a Film

Frankel's horse racing story could be made into a film. 

The unbeaten son of Galileo may be about to become immortalised in a film with nonother than Jeremy Irons playing legendary horse trainer Sir Henry Cecil. 

WaZabi Films co-founders Anick Poirier and Lorne Price have added this latest title to their list and will launch pre-sale at AFM [American Film Market] at the beginning of November in Santa Monica, California, which sees more than 7,000 attend the eight-day annual event to network and to sell, finance and acquire films.      

Oscar-winning Irons who took the gong for Best Actor in his role Reversal Of Fortune, a 1990 film adaptation of the 1985 book Reversal of Fortune: Inside the von Bulow Case, will also help produce the film with Andrew Berg and John Sachs of Eclipse Films.    

Andrew Berg is still in the pre-production stage of Frankel. He has worked on a number of films including The Corrupted (2019), Finding Your Feet (2017), Urban Hymn (2015) and Stingray (2006). 

John Sachs of Eclipse Films (Eclipse Global Entertainment) has worked on feature films such as Michael Radford's 2004 feature Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino. 

Sachs' first feature as a producer was Michael Caton's Jone's Urban Hymn which picked up several awards including best film at Giffoni, Busan and TIFF. 

Readers may remember Sachs' father, Andrew, who played Manuel in Fawlty Towers.

Frankel film will be directed by Ron Scalpello from a screenplay by Jim Piddock which charts Frankel's perfect unbeaten record of 14 straight wins culminating in the Champion Stakes at Ascot 2012. 

Sir Henry Cecil passed away in June 2013. 

Jeremy irons who is currently starring in the HBO hit Watchman said: ''The story of Henry resonated with me immediately. The role allows me to portray a character with such resilience and depth. I also appreciate the deep relationship shared between Henry and Frankel, a true story of love and affection between a man and his horse.”

Berg and Sachs added: “Jim Piddock’s script stands out as the perfect balance of drama and action and director Ron Scalpello is a gifted director, visceral, sensitive and extremely hard working and creative.

“Jeremy was first choice to play Henry and has a genuine love for horses. Jeremy’s decision to join us as a producer has further cemented his passion for this project.”

Visit Screen Daily to learn more. 

Is Frankel Better than Secretariat?

Read these fascinating comments: 

If one adds the criteria of “stamina” to the requirements of greatness, then I believe after Secretariat, there would be another four horses ahead of Frankel (in order from #2 to #5): Phar Lap, Sea Bird II, Man O War and Ribot. In an all-time invitation only 12f turf at the Arc or on dirt at Belmont, these great horses would be invited to challenge the legendary Secretariat. Frankel wouldn’t make the cut as he never raced at 12f, was withdrawn when favourite for the 12f King George despite being fully fit and also conceding 10 lengths in the straight to Zoffany after going hard early (the 3rd event being the very likely cause of the first two). 

If however there was an invitation-only race on turf or dirt over 10f, then the above forces as well as Frankel, Dr Fager, Brigadier Gerard and Spectacular Bid should be added.

Secretariat remains clearly the greatest overall horse of all time, with his consistency being tarnished due to poor trainer/owner and even starter judgment (running sick/unfit, harsh DQ in a race he won easily and going away) and not due to the horse himself. 

The more interesting question to me is who is #6 all-time horse: Frankel or Dr Fager? Both brilliant 8f specialists who could also last 10f. I believe Secretariat would deserve automatic favouritism for any 10f-12f race and probably any 9f-13f race. 

What would be interesting to consider is, who would deserve favouritism from the above 9 horses over 8f turf or dirt? Remembering that Secretariat set a world record over 9f despite running wide and being checked, which has since only once been bettered by 0.2s.

Reply: 

Frankel all time 6th best- ridiculous- sea the stars was a superb horse up there with Frankel and secretariat- American fans – get used to it there has never been a horse like Frankel- he beat better horses consistently that secretariat- all g1 winners- the standard he beat was infinitely better and higher- no comparison- horse racing in the UK and Europe is higher than the USA-

Reply: 


In terms of competition, the quality of horses Secretariat faced was actually clearly above the average quality of rivals Frankel faced. Perhaps the single most devastating margin in horse racing is Secretariat’s 10.5 margin length victory of #8 US blood-horse legend Forego in the Kentucky Derby, after giving him a multiple length lead and running wide outside of him. Then there was Sham, still the owner of the 2nd largest heart in all of racing history, behind only Secretariat (Mill Reed was 3rd on that score). Riva Ridge (Derby, Belmont), Big Spruce (Marlboro), Cougar (Chilean champ) and Tem Tam (US champion 4yo turf horse) were other worthy opponents Secretariat annihilated under hand rides. Sea The Stars lacked the explosiveness of either Frankel or Secretariat. And Frankel lacked the ability to hold that explosiveness all the way to the line: he could explode for 3f only, Secretariat could do it for 4f. That very last furlong is where Frankel’s 10th furlong of 14.0s on turf would expose him against a horse like Secretariat capable of closing in the 10th furlong of 11.5s on the slowest dirt track in America. 

Also this talk that UK horses being inherently better bred than USA horses is nonsense; 90% of modern champions feature both Northern Dancer (Canada) and Mr Prospector (USA), including both Frankel and Sea The Stars. Neither of these famous sires incidentally being British.

Reply: 

Secretariat did not have the explosive speed or class that Frankel showed. Secretariat first runs against older horses ended in defeat NO EXCUSES. THEN GOT THUMPED BY PROVE OUT. How can you justify calling a horse all-time great when he could not beat horses in his own period.

I’m an American and I am in LOVE with Frankel—the same way that I was/still am in love with Secretariat. Why bother to decide which racehorse is the greatest? However, Frankel is right up there with Secretariat in terms of greatness, and no others are in their ranks. I agree that Frankel competed against better horses than did Secretariat, but I am obsessed with both of them!!! Is there a Frankel fan club I can share my obsession with???

What do you think? 

Leave a comment. 

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. 

Sir Henry Cecil: ''Thank you, Frankel.”

Horse racing often transcends life. 

Sir Henry Cecil was an exceptional horse trainer who saw the ups and downs of the racing game. Years of success and times where finding winners were a little more difficult than he would have liked. 

I am sure all horse trainers know that feeling. 

Looking back at an article on this blog: ''Which Frankel Offspring Has Shown the Most Promise?'' Frankel's story and the passing of Henry Cecil make his words even more poignant.

The original article published on the Sporting Post dates back to the 9th of November 2012.

The article details the retirement of Frankel. 

After three successful years racing and beating the best horses in training, Frankel concluded an unbeaten career with 14 wins and recognised as the world's highest-rated racehorse. 

It was time for Frankel to head back to his birthplace Banstead Manor Stud, to start a new career as a stallion for Juddmonte Farms.

General manager Philip Mitchell said: ''In the foaling unit on February 11th, 2008 at 11:40pm, little did we realise that we were witnessing the birth of a phenomenal racehorse.''

He continued: ''The rest, as they say, is history and now it is extremely exciting that Frankel will be returning to the Stallion Unit at Banstead, some 500 yards from where he was born.''

After winning 14 races - including 10 Group 1 victories - Timeform gave him a rating of 147, the highest figure the organization has ever awarded. 

It is fitting to read the words of Sir Henry Cecil: ''There is no doubt Frankel has been a brilliant racehorse. I am pretty certain that there has never been a better or more talented thoroughbred. He had the speed to be a champion sprinter and then, once he grew up and settled, he got a distance with a turn of foot that makes a champion.''

''Today is a sad day in some ways for us as he has given us so much pleasure over the last three years. But I want to thank Frankel for so much - for being such a very special part of my training career. Thank you, Frankel.''

Picture: Frankel makes friends with George the cat at Banstead Manor Stud. 

Frankel film out in UK soon

Known as a ''super horse'' Frankel captured the imagination of people around the world. Not only horse racing enthusiasts; his prowess transcended anything that had been seen before in UK horse racing. Trained by Sir Henry Cecil and in the ownership of Khalid Abdullah, this son of Galileo won 14 races unbeaten and defeating 25 Group 1 winners in an astonishing career. 

The Frankel film is set to take the world by storm. Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons is to play the role of Sir Henry Cecil. 

Read more about this production. 

Is Frankel Related to Enable?

In the modern history of horse racing, few horses have made the headline and featured in more column inches than Frankel and Enable. 

Race fans have been left astounded by the success of these two thoroughbred racehorses which have proven exceptional talents. 

Both horses are in the ownership of Khalid Abdullah and Juddmonte Farms. But here's a question many race fans ask: 

Is Frankel related to Enable? While others have questioned is Enable Frankel's daughter?

Let's first take a moment to review the achievements of these wonderful horses. 

Frankel 

Frankel, trained by Sir Henry Cecil, foaled 11th February 2008. This bay colt is sired by Galileo, bred by Juddmonte Farms, out of the mare named Kind. 

This exceptional horse was unbeaten in 14 races in a racing career from 2010 -  2012. He won 12 significant Group races. He won total prize money worth £2,998,302. Frankel was given a Timeform rating of 147 making him the highest rating in the organisation's history. 

He was awarded: 

1st in World Thoroughbred Ranking (2011, 2012), European Horse Of The Year (2011, 2012), European Two-Year-Old Colt (2010), European Three-Year-Old Colt (2011), European Champion Older Horse (2012) & Timeform rating 147.  

Read more about Frankel here...

Enable 

Enable, trained by John Gosden, foaled 12th February 2012. At the time of writing, she has run 15 times, with 13 wins, 1 second and 1 third place. 

This bay daughter of the stallion Nathaniel is out a mare named Concentric. She was bred by Juddmonte Farms. She has won 12 significant races including a dual winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2017, 2018). She continues to race at the highest level and achieved total prize earnings of £10,382,243. 

She has been awarded:

Cartier Champion Three-year-old Filly (2017), Cartier Horse of the year (2017) & Cartier Champion Older Horse (2018). 

Read more about Enable here...

Is Frankel Related to Enable?

One of the major reasons race fans ask if these two superstars of racing are related comes from the fact they are in the ownership of Khalid Abdullah, hence they wear the same racing silks. Frankel is sired by Galileo, while the sire of Enable is Nathaniel, who was also sired by Galileo. Interestingly, Frankel and Nathaniel raced again each other at two and three, competing in a number of races. So they are related by the stallion Galileo, being the father of Frankel and the Grandfather of Enable.