Victorious Frankel bows out in gutsy style

Frankel produced perhaps his finest performance yesterday to retain his unbeaten record with his 14th victory in the Group One Champion Stakes in what was his final race. The Henry Cecil-trained colt—winning his 10th Group One race—had stumbled out of the barrier but recovered his poise to power home to beat last year’s winner Cirrus des Aigles by 1 ¾ lengths. “There has never been a better horse,” said Cecil. “I love everything about him. He’s the best horse I have ever had. I’d be very surprised if there will be anything better.” Frankel’s owner Prince Khalid Abdullah confirmed the horse would be retired. Winning jockey Tom Queally praised Frankel. “No doubt he is better on better ground but his class showed today. I walked the track and was worried about conditions, but after walking the home straight I knew it was not too heavy for him to quicken up and go about his business and win,” he said. “In that respect, there was always a little worry but he was in great heart and looked a lot better than 12 months ago. “What can I say about him? You never see a F1 car win on anything but tarmac but he may argue that case a little.” Queally added it was something special to come back to such a rousing reception in the winner’s circle. “I’m by no means a showman but the reception of the crowd was so touching,” said the 28-year-old Irishman. “You come back to such a reception and all you can say is waow!” added Queally, who was watched by his family over from Ireland. Prince Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said that Frankel had given racing a much-needed higher profile. “He has brought great things to the sport, memorable moments and something to savour,” said Grimthorpe. “I could do this all over again.” Cirrus des Aigles trainer Corine Barande-Barbe was delighted. “We came to take on the best horse in the world and we came close and we leave proud to have been part of this,” said the 54-year-old. Frankel had looked out of sorts early on with his pacemaker, and older brother Bullet Train, and his jockey Ian Mongan, searching for him. However, once Mongan spotted him he raced Bullet Train upsides Cirrus des Aigles while another of the main dangers Nathaniel sat in third. Queally brought Frankel close to the fray on entering the straight, bringing an unprecedented roar to the crowd as the bell rang. Cirrus des Aigles set sail for home but Queally, having dispensed with Nathaniel, came upsides the gallant French six-year-old and went past him with ease to justify his odds of 2/11 odds on favourite. Although Olivier Peslier was able to conjure up a second burst from Cirrus des Aigles, Frankel was not to be denied and he strode out under the whip of Queally to breach the line, clear of his nearest pursuer who finished at odds of 9/2. Nathaniel—who was beaten into second by Frankel on his first start in 2010 - stuck to his task to finish third at 9/1. Queally, not normally one for expressing his emotions, returned to the winner’s enclosure, punching his fist in the air as the crowd, who had roared him on as he turned into the final straight, stood and gave him a rousing reception.