Acknowledged as one of the greatest thoroughbreds to have raced. A sparkling trio: Frankel, wonder horse, Sir Henry Cecil, trainer, and Tom Queally, jockey.
Exceptions to the rule.
Frankel’s racing career started at Newmarket on the 13th August 2010 and ended with his retirement from Flat racing on the 20th October 2012. In total, he achieved stardom winning 14 races without defeat.
Personally, I never saw Frankel in the flesh, and it is one of my horse racing regrets. This son of Galileo, out of the mare Kind, won total prize money a fraction short of £3M.
A total of 14 successes. His best performance, a matter of opinion. However, I do have a personal favourite.
Can you guess which race?
The Quipco 2000 Guineas. Racing at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile. The 30th April 2011, a truly remarkable day for horse racing fans who questioned what they were seeing. A spectacular performance. It sounds ridiculous but nothing prepares you for a race like that. It sticks in the mind. It stays in the mind. A race to be treasured. It does to this day. What a race. Watch in wonder. Enjoy a spectacle that simply doesn’t happen.
It happened.
Frankel was priced ½ favourite to win a first prize of £198,695.
It really wasn’t about money. Frankel was fighting for his reputation as a wonder horse. You can’t imagine the pressure of those who planned his every move with precision. Sir Henry Cecil, who struggled with terminal illness, cancer. Queally questioned and knocked with every ride. Some willing him to lose. The pressure. Just think of the emotions they felt. Almost touching the clouds, fingertips stretching upwards. At that time, we didn’t know the future. We couldn’t bask in the sunshine or glory.
Not yet.
I remember that day, being excited. Five previous performances had gone to plan but there was a mix of excitement and fear. Today could lead to defeat. We could only take one race at a time. We didn’t know the future. No one did. Only time would tell its story.
So why did this race stand out from all the rest?
Frankel didn’t just lead but stormed clear with the cheers of a crowd. A chasing pack, like baying dogs, it was a surreal experience. In fact, by halfway Frankel looked to be leading by fifteen or more lengths. It seemed impossible. A Classic race. I thought I was watching a maiden race on a sunny day at Great Yarmouth. This wasn’t inferior opposition.
It was Frankel.
Simply wonderful.
This was a field of quality horses. The best of the best. Horses with big reputations. All trying to knock Frankel off his pedestal.
Had Tom Queally gone too fast?
As the race progressed the lead diminished but to no great extent.
Frankel crossed the line six lengths clear of the second, Dubawi Gold, trained by Richard Hannon. Third, Native Khan. These horses are detailed because they are important to this story.
The Racing Post comments said: ‘Soon led and clear, at least 10 lengths clear halfway, ridden just over 1f out, idling but kept on final furlong, ridden out, unchallenged, impressive.’
I have watched thousands of horse races but that race was different from all others. It was a mix of excitement, absurdity and reverence. It was a sight that only a superstar horse could produce.
It was an extraordinary performance.
Frankel.
Exceptional.
Perhaps it was a once in a lifetime event. Over 12 years have passed since that day and I am still waiting..
.
Something tells me I will be waiting for a very long time.