Where it all began for FRANKEL - his first-ever run & Sir Henry Cecil interview

[@kepnjem]

Sir Henry Cecil was the most humble and dignified trainer. I'm so happy for him to have trained one of, if not the best horse that ever set foot on a racecourse. Wonderful, but watched this with a lump in my throat. God bless you Sir. ❤️

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

In my opinion the greatest flat trainer. Obviously there are many quality trainers over the years like Vincent O’Brien and so many others we could mention but we all have our favourites. Henry just had that something special, engaging person, master trainer and was such a massive part of the flat boom that happened out of Newmarket in the 70s, 80s and into the 90s. My favourite Cecil horse was actually not Frankel it was Bosra Sham, she was a wonderful racehorse that won the Guineas with sore hooves, she arguably didn’t reach the heights she should have done but was still a multiple Group winner for Henry and was a gorgeous flashy chestnut filly. Memories 😍.

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

John Marks yes she was owned by Wafic Said same colours as Lady Carla and a good few other quality horses sent to Henry in the same ownership. People forget how good this horse the betting industry had her, she was 1/5 to win a Brigadier Gerrard at Sandown and was long odds on to win the Eclipse to beat Benny The Dip and Pilsudski 2 stella horses in their own right, a result that got Kieren Fallon jocked off when he left it too late to attack. Pat Eddery took over to take on Mark of Esteem in the QE2 at Ascot (again favourite) where she was a valiant second to a very good miler, a horse I watched get beat by Alhaarth in his 2 year old campaign and turn the tables at decent odds in the 2000 guineas. I truly believe if she didn’t have such delicate hooves she would have been up there with the very best, there was a reason the bookies had her such short odds, it was because they were scared shitless of her, great horse.

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

John Marks sleepytime another Cecil filly but not so extravagantly good as Bosra Sham, Henry was a master with fillys so its no wonder she won also. From recollection sleepytime was antipost favourite for the 1000 guineas but drifted closer to the day, like 9/2 or something like that, I was only a youngster at that time maybe had £5 or £10 on her but still happy with picking up the winnings on the Sunday afternoon.

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

John Marks we definitely are in a much less richer time after Henrys passing thats for sure and as you say sounds like we are from the same era. My old man once had £2500 running on a Cecil odds on shot for 6 horse accy in those orange silks of Lord howard Dewalden but it lost, I think thats where my love affair on the Cecil saga begun. Tell you what, facebook me same profile picture Jason Barber if you have any tips going forward and I will send you back what I know.

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

John Marks you can never go all in on a hunch I get that mate you have to go with what you see, pyledriver cost me few pennies in the derby but i got that back as he got a nice run through today and blew them away. Anytime anyone mentions a Beauchamp horse I think of Eric Penser who is the owner of all the Beauchamps (orange silks/black stripe) and especially beauchamp king who won the Craven stakes over an odds on Alhaarth many moons back at 5/1 or something like that. Will have a look at Award scheme before bed, good luck 👊🏻

[@leedsboy64]

So glad Frankel came in time for the master trainer Sir Henry Cecil

[@GillBJack58]

Racing is all the poorer for the loss of the wonderfully charismatic Sir Henry. Was a fan from my teens, fell in love with Ramruma years ago and followed his horses avidly. Rest in heaven sir xxxx

[@luisbouza7669]

What a character and class, Sir Henry, had the privilege of meeting him in person, a real honor !

[@grudeman]

The most astonishing beast to ever grace flat racing. There will never be another like him

[@tigerboy1966]

"Potentially he could be very nice". Cecil the master of understatement but you could see in his eyes what he really thought: something along the lines of "we only had him half fit and he hated the ground but he still took care of Gosden's best one very easy. I have a monster in my yard".

[@lukemccann]

😂😂😂👌🏼❤️

[@stu3232]

Really enjoyed Sir Henrys class as a trainer and a man, so glad he was the one that got the task of training Frankel, he deserved it.

[@villain-ek3yv]

Some maiden this, Frankel, Nathaniel, and colour vision, multiple group one winners.

[@invisiblemaninvisibleman2097]

Your right

[@wolfpackmaha]

This maiden at Newmarket is notorious for debuting future class horses, such as the likes of this field with frankel, Nathaniel, colour vision

[@tigerboy1966]

Don't forget Genius Beast who won the Classic Trial at Sandown.

[@thomassmith2227]

@David Johnson A bit harsh, viewing figures are actually really good. Obviously most people don't agree with you. 👎

[@joecommie4890]

Its like a group 1 race lol

[@26Tackle.reviews]

100% gent and a horse we will never see a better in 100 years!

[@patricknevin3289]

Legend trainer. Miss him in racing. Go on frankel

[@theferret390]

Saw King Henry at York races he wore the brightest red socks ive ever seen what a great trainer and what an outstanding racehorse.RIP Henry.

[@richardevans7035]

When Cecil passed away racing wasn't the same, I also think it will be a sad day when Frankie Dettori retires as they are 2 massive legends in that sport

[@robertsmale3714]

Sir Henry very cautious, humble in his comments here following Frankel’s initial win. “I haven’t really galloped him yet,” - haha! “Will see” yes we certainly did! One of the all time greats! Undefeated! Brilliant race horse, amazing stallion too.

[@robertsmale3714]

Stephen Bidgood www.stallionguide.com/stallions/frankel/stud-record/ I’d say that’s very impressive, but then who can match Galileo only a few come close. I think Frankel added another 3 winners yesterday.

[@richardrouse1873]

What a horse what a trainer rest in peace sir Henry

[@indiana146]

Sir henry was a gentleman frankel was a legend i doubt we,ll see their likes again rip sir henry

[@bowlchamps37]

10 years ago already. WOW. Time flies faster than Frankel.

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

I miss Sir Henry. The meets have lost some glimmer with out the great man there.

[@user-es5us5vr7t]

Loved sir Henry. Frankel was a fantastic horse , The Queen Anne at Ascot was my favourite race he won . Don’t think anything could have beat him that day. Henry was a true professional always looked to see mr cecils runbers first before looking at anything else.

[@TheGm66]

Best trainer ever, quiet and very dignified man😊👍

[@mikerainham]

We all miss Sir Henry Cecil

[@williamsafari6437]

followed racing for 50+ years noel m .vincent.o.henry ect ect i met a fellow guest in a L.A hotel and spoke for 4 days on & off i new his face as well as i new my own but couldn't put a name to him sometime later a friend told me it was henrys son noel { clone } bit of useless trivia.

[@kevkeightley6943]

Racing is not the same anymore without the great man

[@DFUK83]

without Sir Henry, Steve Cauthen back in 1993, for me horse racing ended. what a team what a stable. HRAC never had tons of horses in each big race desperate to win, unlike a certain trainer now. he found the best and stuck with the best. FRANKEL the best ive seen in my lifetime with the best trainer ever. love to have seen Frankel back in the Cecil/Cauthen hey day of the 80s.

[@Nijinsky26]

LMAO One Lot was over 100 Horses and he had 3 Lots out every Morning. I counted 143 in one Lot Once.

[@conanmclynn6615]

@@Nijinsky26 He has loads of horses in training but what Andy said was he never had loads of horses in each big race!! He never entered 6 or 7 in a race.

[@DFUK83]

Exactly sorry meant to say not like 6 or 7 horses in one Derby or in one oaks or whatever like O'Brien. He chose his horses according to if he actually thought it would win, I know like in 86 there was mashkour and faraway dancer or 87 reffy and legal bid, or commander in chief and Tenby. They were my hero's I met them many times and went to Warren place a few times with Sir Henry giving me a private tour back in 1989. Brilliant

[@kilokali6903]

Clarification needed chaps. Trainers train horses. They don't decide how many to run the owners do. If you want to challenge anyone challenge Coolmore and leave O Brien out of it. He is a paid servant of Coolmore and can be fired at anytime.

[@cathaloshaughnessy252]

What a gentleman

[@Jack-rn2ut]

R I.P. Henry. Greatest British trainer bar none.

Looked harder than it actually was. No whip just a casual gallop. Frankel truly is the greatest ever.

[@patricksmith3432]

Greatest horse I've ever seen

[@mattrogers6487]

I miss them.. I miss them both terribly 😪

[@TheSirStu]

What a maiden!!

[@LG-gc8zn]

Sir Henry Cecil was such a classy man

[@kevkeightley6943]

The racing public miss you sir lifes not fare at times . Easily the greatest trainer of all time not only that you was a bloody gentleman and always had time to give interviews. Thanks for the memories.

[@seanatkinson770]

A master of his profession a man of huge charisma and class and a bloody lovely human being.

[@jamesrichardson3500]

Honestly, that field, is that the greatest maiden race ever?

[@danbridge8772]

Best horse ever! Greatest racehorse trainer ever! 🐎 🥇🏆💜

[@gazellis1961]

WOW...You could see in Sir Henrys face,glint in his eye just what he had on his hands(monster).. Tom never asked for him...nursed him ..showed anything at home at home? Jeez..what a machine the best miler /10 furlong horse ever?

[@spleeeen4it]

class trainer and amazing horse, Henry was a real gentleman

[@SumoCumLoudly]

Queally taking it very easy coming through to hit the front on the goat, he didn't realise the other horse was a Group 1 horse but Frankel was still able to win comfy and after the line you seen he had tons left.

[@أحمدالصاعدي-ك3ل]

I was happy for Henry that,he ended his career with a legendary horse,in Frankel.

[@DonerKetty]

Connections of Nathaniel must have been on their way to the races with a sure thing in their hands. Must have been shocked when frankel did that to what was their star newcomer

[@gerardchatburn6234]

A good friend of mine Neil dean his sister worked for sir Henry alison dean who lead in reference point to win the derby, alison looked after horses bosra sham, home on the range, volcanic, Custer, babacoote, twenty two, war legend to name a few, I think alison became Abercrombie, she always said sir Henry was a great man to work for, unfortunately, alison was knocked down by a car and killed near ainley top which is next too junction 23 M62 huddersfield, I was told alison was riding out for trainer Brian smart at the time of her accident, alison was great company too be with when out with her brothers, always missed🐎🐎🐎

[@frankspencer6935]

To win cosily in a competitive maiden on ground he hated. He done the same to Cirrus Des Aigles on soft ground in his last race. I like to think Henry is up there having a cigar with Oliver Reed, keeping an eye on the ladies.

[@mattrogers6487]

He gave CDA a nice little headstart in that as well just to show who the boss really was.

[@MrAmericanbeauty]

@@mattrogers6487 sure did, i got 200 on at 1.4 on betfair after the stalls opened, dont worry though, i wasnt long giving the winnings back lol

[@robwightman6357]

Quality maiden Frankel and sea the stars best of the last 10 years

[@markhiggins8315]

Sea The Stars retired 11 years ago but I think STS and Frankel were the two best horses of the last 30 years at least. Two unquestionable all time greats.

[@user-es5us5vr7t]

Your right about those 2 . But the Derby has been shocking the last 2 yrs. horses have been really poor. If it wasn’t for the Galileo’s from Ireland it would have been a lot worse

[@robwightman6357]

I have 2 all time favourite horses on the flat STS PERSIAN PUNCH

[@jeremyshilton2059]

Frankel what a first race at Newmarket to win lots of stories about him on gallops unbelievable horse for Henry to train

[@billk9856]

Oh dear, imagine finding yourself with a horse like Nathaniel, finding yourself a suitable Maiden, organising the plunge ...... then you run in Frankel.

[@anthonyperrin3411]

..... Potentially he could be really nice..... UNDERSTATEMENT! 👍

[@claudiapost-schultzke7216]

The Sir Henry cecil Thanks for visiting this planet. And give us frankel.

[@chrisletham7523]

I’ve been pleased with at home 🤣go on Henry

[@abdullahaboobakker1758]

Both are Legend lives on forever 🙌❤👏

[@kolnman3582]

Even after one race you could see that Henry thought he had some thing special. No one could have guessed how great he would turn out to be.

[@jcanyiam8309]

THE GREATEST MAIDEN IN HORSE RACING HISTORY- EVER EVER EVER!!!!! (THANKS for TALKING!) :)

[@hpritchard37]

R.i.p Henry

[@philaishme6176]

I know the Gosden boys fancied their horse a lot, they were right to, he was a Gp1 horse, however, everyone at Warren Place knew what Frankel was! he was gliding by proven Gp 1 horses on the bridle on the gallops. You could see the delight Henry had, trying to keep his cards close, but he knew! Next years 2000 Guineas was electric to watch, but everyone knew then he was a beast. This race was the only time he wasn't odds on!

[@laurafrancoortega4411]

The horse we love this sport for ....

[@ianpass2562]

Henry knew how good he was after that maiden... trust me.!

[@shaundyson1227]

Sir Henry rip

[@ns6789]

SIR HENRY THE GOAT CECIL

[@johnbell1978]

What a maiden Nathaniel, in this

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

Derek thompson last half furlong Frankel not got a lot left, and wins pulling a train, he wouldn’t have known at the time he was disrespecting a legend and we don’t blame him for it, none of us knew either, 100% one of the top 10 horses of all time.

[@Gritto1445]

Oh where did it all go.

[@jackward9901]

John Gosden must look back and have a chuckle about Nathaniel bumping into Frankel first time out.

[@michaelregis9808]

Watch his face at 2:28 when he is asked 'has he been going the right way?' That should have told us everything!

[@drfell9105]

Notice the camera change at 1.43. It looks like an entirely different race. Clearly something happened in those cut seconds that we weren't supposed to see...

[@anotherblonde]

It's the closest Nathanial ever got to Frankel

[@DD-qq8sn]

And Nathaniel got closer than anyone else ever did....

[@anotherblonde]

@@DD-qq8sn Yes, Cirrus des Aigle got close too

[@DD-qq8sn]

@@anotherblonde I was lucky enough to be at Ascot that day, and you're absolutely right Cirrus Des Aigles got close, and Frankel was working harder at the end than in when beating Nathaniel in the maiden. I think my favourite Frankel race was the Juddmonte at York. Brilliant finish to a Group 1 with St Nicholas Abbey and Farrh in a real head bobber... except Frankel had already finished and was on his way to the winner's enclosure.

[@anotherblonde]

@@DD-qq8sn my fav is the 2000 guineas! Such a great memory. My last time at Ascot was when Persian Punch died 3f from home.

[@DD-qq8sn]

tina silver never saw Persian Punch but I do have his autobiography (which Lee Mottershead helped him with the spelling)

[@frankschlanker]

Henry was really struggling to hold his delight in his interview. Many times you can see him check himself to stop smiling.

[@gerardchatburn6234]

I made a comment on alison dean who worked for sir Henry Cecil and I got 6 thumbs up it would be nice too know who these people where, alison, was a good laugh to be with and her brother, Neil, who was nicknamed Hippo would our alison, really fancies her horses, going way back at least 30 years ago, she had 2 runner's at Newbury one on the Friday, ( War legend 5/2 ) and on the Saturday (VOLCANIC ) 9/2 into 4/1 I think it was 7furlongs it won by 12 lengths, CUSTER won a few races the it came up against GUY HARWOODS, SANDHURST PRINCE, AND FOAM BATH, WHICH I THINK WAS TRAINED BY DAVID ELSWORTH, SANDHURST PRINCE, WENT ON TOO BE A VERY GOOD HORSE IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, HAD SOME FANTASTIC MOMENTS WITH ALISON'S HORSES, BUT OBVIOUSLY, THE GREAT STANDOUT WERE REFERENCE POINT, AND BOSRA SHAM, IT WAS A GREAT PLEASURE TOO HAVE KNOWN ALISON AND GOOD FRIEND, ALWAYS MISSED ❤🐎🐎🐎

[@thomsjordan8081]

best maiden ever

[@paulnewman3282]

Sir henry 'lets hope he goes the right way'...if only he knew but maybe he just knew he had the greatest flat horse ever

[@alanrossreviews]

not a lot left or is there, hes going away or is he! one of the great commentaries of our time 😝

[@andrewfinch2281]

hes terrible!!! that is why he only gets the minor gigs....

[@csb7376]

classic Thommo. They're not messing about, who's going to get there, that's one for the judge.

[@LeeThompson-pu6xf]

"He's gonna win 10 lengths.....or is he"! Horse win's 2 lengths and "that's one for the judge" As said above Classic Thommo.

[@scottgray1806]

I was at York 8 years ago when he won the Juddmonte International. I have never seen so many people at a racecourse. Applauding half a furlongs to go. Beat Farrh into second 7 lengths. I concur with Andy W, Aiden O'Brien was given Galileo and then his progeny. He tried in 2009 to beat Sea the Stars in all his races putting 4 or 5 against him, even in 2020 he is still trying the same tactics against Enable (Nathaniel), I hope, i really hope that Love doesn't win the Arc.

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

he also says the word yellow as "yella" in every one of his "commentary's"

[@aaronmeegan2689]

Thomson the Lunatic watching a totally different race shouting what has Frankle got left as Nathaniel gets whipped n Franklejust plods under hands n heals

[@davegonnaway6007]

Loved Cecil and cauthen indian skimmer was a lovely horse but that Frankel was off the scale....

[@numanoid5665]

My favourite race mare of all time, Indian Skimmer. If memory serves she put up a couple of lengths on Miesque in the French oaks,

[@davegonnaway6007]

@@numanoid5665 yes my favourite horse back then only soviet star and indian skimmer beat miesque...

[@anthonyperrin3411]

❤️

[@lee7701]

Strange that he beat Nathaniel in his first race and again in his last race which also turned out to be the last time Nathaniel ran

[@giptonwhite3011]

Great trainer Them obrians can't be mentioned in the breath

[@mrcool1706]

Won with plenty in hand.

[@joebergin6353]

Now that's a horse of a different color.....

[@leedsboy64]

If only the great sir Henry had known just how good Frankel was in my opinion he would have won the triple crown

[@johnsonkevin1]

Lucky for us Henry trained him and not you. Henry KNEW exactly how good he was and how as a 3 year old it would have career ending sending over the Derby distance.

[@leedsboy64]

could not disagree more The great man we cant ask anymore

[@johnsonkevin1]

@@leedsboy64 As a 3 year old he was quite a handful and difficult to train. He was very bullish and hot headed which you could see in his races. He just wanted to get on with things. It would have been impossible to train him for a Derby let alone the Leger. This is why he was kept to a mile in his classic year.

[@leedsboy64]

@@johnsonkevin1 The manor he won the 2000 proves he was a freak of nature To that end who knows what he may have achieved over longer distances I stand by my opinion

[@johnsonkevin1]

@@leedsboy64 fair enough. I am just replying with what Henry Cecil said about Frankel. The reason why as a 3 year old he was kept to a mile. It is not my opinion but the opinion of multiple champion trainer

[@TM-xz3wj]

Frankel would have won the Derby he would have stayed a mile and a half

[@johnsonkevin1]

Not a chance. It still amazes me how people still make ridiculous comments like this.

[@benbim540]

@@johnsonkevin1 he would certainly have stayed a mile and a half at the end judged by his york international win over 10 and a half furlongs but it would have been in sprints that we would have seen him to best effect.

[@johnsonkevin1]

@@benbim540 He would not have stayed a mile and a half as 3 year old. He was far too head strong

[@mtty1988]

That was a good race but then did we first realise he was something specal or even a superstar

[@deandoherty1163]

I wonder did John Gosden no what he was up against Sri Henery keep it under his hat gamble not landed

[@johnbell1978]

Derek Thompson worst commentator ever there not a lot left or is there, he is coming away or is he.

[@12332pj]

Some clown he is haha

[@jamiecarroll4526]

Pity thompson is commentating

[@ianpass2562]

Flat racing has a big void now

[@leesog3203]

It's true, it was such a golden age for racing, whether flat or jumps.. The last few years haven't been the same, even though there'll always be those 130+ rated horses every year, just none the caliber of Sea The Stars or Frankel.. Arrogate, who sadly padded away, is the best horse we've seen since Frankel retired, while on the grass, I believe Battaash, Kingman and Cracksman were the closest in terms of rating.. But the general G1 winner these days is nothing special, even Pinatubo was a let down, same for Top Darn Hot and Air Force Blue.. We was lucky to have Treve, Enable and Winx as they were all kept in training to simply break records and entertain the people - they all done a brilliant job - lets hope Love joins them in their accomplishments 😊

[@nightowl7459]

@@leesog3203 No, that's the beauty of racing, they can come along at any time, I'm still waiting for another Shergar to demolish his opposition even though i like Frankle.

[@DirtySanchez658]

The trainer pretending he didn't know of the horses great ability was pretty funny. The industry is so shifty that everyone lies off hand.

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

the only blight/stain on an otherwise exemplary win was that the dreaded "thommo" had the call :PPP awful , "who's gunna get there" himself .....I am starting a campaign to have the desperate thommo pensioned off asp before he gets to blight any other amazing horses with his dross filled "commentary's"

[@marcusprice3199]

Horrible comment. I met Thommo at a shop opening in the 90s. Proper good guy, had a mic and was doing live commentaries in the shop and getting the punters to have a go too. Hills told him he could give away £100 worth of free bets that afternoon. He must have given away £500. Absolute legend.

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

@@marcusprice3199 Apologies if i hurt ur feelings Marcus , but i detest thommo , THE greatest commentator race caller in the UK? a surprising choice perhaps but i'm putting Mike Cattermole on top , he should have been awarded a top position but has been over looked for whatever reason , Mike is SUPERB

[@marcusprice3199]

@@WESSERPARAQUAT Not saying Thommo is the best by any means, but it certainly doesn't spoil a race for me to hear his commentary. My personal favourite race caller would be John Hunt.

[@johnevans9767]

Derek Thompson worst commentator ever.utter rubbish that man.

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

The worst commentator of all time .... or is he.

[@dannylfcmeatloaf]

He commentates exactly like he bets.....favourite favourite favourite. There are other horses in the race Thommo, we dont ALL bet on the favourite you know.

[@200degrees.]

He’s a bookmakers paid man to tell lies to the public to extract as much cash as possible like most of them ...

[@tonyriviere]

420 420 Disgraceful comment. Whatever you think of his commentary style this man is a hard working and dedicated professional. And a gentleman.

[@200degrees.]

Tony Riviere pity it’s true tho ..

[@martinmcgrath1985]

There’s not a lot left 😂

[@shanecopner7827]

The guvnor

[@FIamingMoeBUBU]

Worst commentary ever. Tomo at his best 🙄

[@flamelaiswrswr]

Just a bumper meeting

[@101mossie]

Sea the stars would have carried him. Had more speed than frankel and a lot more stamina. Facts

[@AVGX90]

🐂💩🤦‍♂️

[@markhiggins8315]

@@AVGX90 Sea The Stars clocked a significantly faster time than Frankel in almost identical conditions in the 2,000 Guineas. Times aren't everything to be fair but it gives an indication that a horse that stayed 12 furlongs at least, easily at 3 (when Frankel never ran beyond a mile at 3 and as a 4 year old never went beyond 10 furlongs) was very special, so too was Frankel mind.

[@MarkHewitt]

@@markhiggins8315 Conditions were identical in the 2000 Guineas apart from the fact that Frankel ran into a 25 mph headwind.

[@12332pj]

Just a shocking commentator

[@aidanjoyce3248]

Worst commentary ever.