Frankel delivers eighth wonder

Dubai: Legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil paid the ultimate tribute to Frankel, claiming that he is the best horse he has ever seen in his long and illustrious career after the colt stormed to a phenomenal eighth win in the Qipco Sussex Stakes (Group 1) at Glorious Goodwood yesterday.

The three-year-old son of Galileo produced another superlative display to totally outclass his three rivals and win by five lengths, which in hindsight was an unflattering margin given the authority and class that he exhibited under jockey Tom Queally.

Canford Cliffs, a five-time Group One winner and the star of this race 12 months ago, had to settle for second while Godolphin's Rio de La Plata was 2-1/2 lengths back in third and French hope Rajsaman fourth, by the same distance.

Cecil, one of the most prolific trainers in Britain who has been associated with some greats of the turf including One in a Million, Oh So Sharp and Kris, struggled to find words to describe his stable star.

Marvellous day

"I did think he could win very easily, but I thought I'd let the horse do the talking. I do respect the second an awful lot," said the 10-time champion trainer.

"I've got to thank the Prince [Khalid Abdullah] and all those involved with him, his work rider and Bullet Train, his three-parts brother, who has led him all year. To lead a horse like that you've got to be pretty good. It's been a marvellous day and he's a very good horse. I think he's the best I've ever seen."

Nobody in their right mind who saw Frankel's spectacular performance yesterday would disagree.

Frankel's owner, Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, also described the colt as the best he's ever had and even rated him higher than Dancing Brave, regarded as one of the best horses ever to race in Europe during the last quarter century.

"He's easily the best horse I have ever owned. He's so special," said Prince Khalid.

Special is the word that describes Frankel best, because whenever he runs the expectation is that something special is going to happen. His giant strides and surge of speed make him a one in a million kind of horse.

Queally was struggling to contain himself as he said: "He's absolutely amazing. I've said it before — he's a freak."