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So here we go. I am sitting in a lonely hotel room in Ferney Voltaire on the border of Geneva, here on work and with absolutely nothing better to do than listen to the incessant rain. What better time to write the third and final part of my own personal epic and what better way to spend the evening than by writing about my favourite horse of all time?! As with all good trilogies I have managed to make this one 3D. So, for all those with SKY HD and who own the glasses, you will see these words pop out and float around you.
For those of you that read the first two sagas you will know the drill by now. This will not be short and it will be fairly gushing in praise of the wonder horse. BUT I have at least left it a month to start writing so that SOME of the euphoria has died down and, hopefully, I will be able to write a balanced account of Frankel’s four year old career.
It was a year that promised so much but that almost never happened at all. Cast your minds back to April this year and the day that awful news broke. Frankel had sustained an injury on the gallops and his career was in the balance. At the very least he would miss the Lockinge and in all likelihood Royal Ascot as well. When I read it, that part of me that thinks when something appears too good to be true it normally is said “there you go. I told you so.” At first there was hope. Sir Henry said that he thought it was just a swelling and that no major damage had been done but that they would have to wait a few days for the swelling to go down before they could scan it and know for sure.
Those days passed like weeks and then, on Grand National day, The Balding announced to the world that Frankel was retired. What made her say that I have no idea but I hope she regrets saying it now the silly old thing! It was the news we had all been dreading. However good old Teddy soon popped up to tell us that it was not true at all and that they were still not sure, but the forums and websites were alive with gossip and most of it seemed to be saying that those in the know knew that it was curtains for Frankel. What did they know hey?!
A day or two later news started coming through that he was out trotting. And then we got it straight from the Henry’s mouth. The scan had revealed no permanent damage and he would be fine. He might even still make the Lockinge. Oh the joy in the Jonibake house that day! I had been walking around in a zombie like state of depression for the past week. The kids and wife had known not to approach me. Now I was singing and skipping and throwing daisies up in the air as my skirt swilled around my ankles. The Ealing Hills were alive with the sound of my music and all was good in the world.
Now the race was on to get Frankel fit for Newbury. Daily bulletins were encouraging and then we were treated to a racecourse gallop at Newmarket. If there had been any remaining worries at all they were immediately dispelled at the sight of little brother scooting past big brother as usual on a tight rein. He was back and Coral’s, who had given me 10-1 last season about Frankel remaining unbeaten, went only a measly 7-4 this. I didn’t take them up on it.
Much debate had already taken place as to the race programme Team Frankel had in mind. We all knew that the Lockinge would be the starting point and that there would then be the choice of Queen Anne or Prince of Wales with the QA being the likelier target. The initial thought was that he would then step up in trip for the Eclipse which, if it went alright, would be followed by the Juddmonte and finally The Champion. The Breeders Cup, although originally part of the plan, had been dismissed as highly unlikely owing to the proximity of Champions Day as well as the surface at Santa Anita. Whatever the programme was going to be one thing was certain. I WAS GOING TO BE THERE!!!
<b>19th May 2012 – The Lockinge Stakes – Newbury – Frankel wins by 5 lengths</b>
Now I know nobody likes a smart ar*e but when a thread appeared on TRF a few days before the race claiming that this was the race that Frankel was most likely to get beat, I wrote at once “I will be very surprised if anything gets within 4 lengths of him.” Not everyone agreed with me and I could understand why, but I was super confident.
Why did people doubt him? Well for one obviously he had had an injury that had held him up in his work, but the second reason was that dear old Excelebration, now with Aiden, had bolted up in a prep race over in Ireland. He had race fitness on his side and looked as good as ever. That fitness together with possible improvement from moving to one of the greatest trainers of all time coupled with Frankel’s injury problems made for a sound argument. However I had been listening to Henry saying all winter, “I would be surprised if he were not an even better horse this year” and I knew they would not be running him if they didn’t think he was ready to do himself justice.
Of course Frankel had never beaten Excelebration by more than 4 lengths in their three previous encounters but somehow I had always thought that Frankel was more than a 4 length better horse than his old rival. The first time they had met had been at Newbury when they were both running for the first time that season. The second time had been the disaster that was the SJP and the final time was when they had got the pacemaking duties all wrong again at Ascot when Bullet Train went steaming off ten lengths ahead of everything. I felt that, if they could get the tactics right, the margin of victory would be greater.
So I set off for Newbury on that May day looking forward to meeting three racing greats. Frankel of course was top of my wish list but not far behind were the living legends that are The Ante Post King and Gingertipster! (known less dramatically as Gordon and Mark). We had arranged to meet on the DLAP’s thread and I couldn’t wait to see them in the flesh. You build people up in your minds don’t you? Form impressions of how they might look. Well here comes the truth – hold on to your hats.
First up I met Gord as he had given me his mobile number and we had arranged a meeting point. I had seen a picture of him in his thread before so knew I was looking for an older, chubbier version of Steve Cram. He had also told me he would be sporting a pinstripe suit and wearing his enormous camera round his neck. I spotted him from 100 yards away and called his mobile just to check. Seconds later I was talking to the Messiah himself. The man who thinks he is literally The Second Coming. I never realised the Second Coming would have a broad Midlands accent. I hate to dispel the myth everyone but he is actually a super nice bloke. TAPK is all bravado. The real man is down to earth, affable and generous. We hit it off right away, had a beer and decided to seek out…….The Ginge!!! All Mark had told us was that he would be at the far side of the pre-parade ring before the first race. So we made our way over to that area, but Newbury was pretty packed so it wasn’t easy to spot him at first. But then, at precisely the same moment as each other, Gord and I spotted this mop of red hair atop a scraggy green anorak.
“Ginge!” – we said simultaneously.
But of course we couldn’t be 100% sure and the last thing we wanted to do was confront some poor innocent sod and ask him if he was called Ginge. Could you imagine the embarrassment if we had got the wrong bloke?! So we stood close to him like a couple of nervous schoolboys waiting to catch his eye. We needn’t have been worried. As soon as our suspect felt these two strangers staring at him he said “Gord? Joni?” and we were off. Now unlike Gord I can tell you that Mark is EXACTLY like his alter ego. Firstly he is of course Ginger. Secondly he wears a scraggy green anorak. And thirdly he carries around an old tattered notebook FULL of notes and figures and percentages. I have said it before I know but he is honestly England’s answer to Rainman. At one point I dropped my packet of smarties on the floor and he told me how many I had lost before they had even hit the ground. Seriously though, he too is a really nice guy with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for the sport. None of my friends like racing so it made a lovely change to spend the day talking with two like-minded people.
The three of us kept our positions around the paddock during the opening couple of races anxious to be the first to lay eyes on the beast. Gord was a Frankel virgin and of course had spent the best part of the last two seasons predicting his downfall so I was interested to see what he would make of him in the flesh. He was not disappointed.
In the build up to the Lockinge my nerves had kicked in. I had started to doubt. Started to worry. He really COULD get beat today couldn’t he?! One look at him as he entered the pre-parade assuaged my fears.
He looked magnificent. All power. All muscle. A racing machine. And incredibly relaxed. You would never have thought it was his first race of the season. He actually looked far better than he had at last year’s Greenham meeting. Gord’s jaw dropped. Even Ginge looked up from his notebook. When you see this horse live you just know that the others stand no chance in the world. I have said it before but he is/was ahead of his time. In my opinion some 100 years ahead of his time. You then look at poor little Excelebration and you do almost feel sorry for him. Guys I know this might sound like hindsight but believe me we were all three of us saying it right there and then. Ginge pointed out that he looked bigger and stronger than last year, that he was starting to look more like a horse who could handle a trip. He was clearly not far off full fitness.
The race itself went like clockwork. Aiden had declared Windsor Castle seemingly as a pacemaker for Excelebration but the first surprise was when WC was dropped in behind leaving Bullet Train to set the perfect pace for his brother. Frankel was perfectly positioned throughout, just sat in the slipstream, and settled beautifully. Tom angled him out between the three and the two and the giant stride took him clear. As usual Excelebration tried valiantly to hang on to him but no horse that has ever lived could keep up with that prolonged gallop and the final winning margin was an easy 5 lengths. Job done.
I rushed down from the stands to get a good position at the winner’s enclosure and cheered him in as usual. Then I found Gord and Mark and could see how impressed even Gord was. He had managed to blag his way out to the track pretending he was Press and had taken some great shots of Frankel in full flight just after the line. I mentioned his generosity earlier – within days I received those shots blown up and framed. They adorn my study wall and mantelpiece now!
The problem when you go to watch Frankel is that half the world is there and you can get seriously delayed leaving the track. Ginge told me there was a 64% chance I would miss the traffic if I left now so I said my goodbyes and went home a very happy little boy.
The perfect 10 for Frankel.
<b>19th June 2012 – The Queen Anne Stakes – Royal Ascot – Frankel wins by 11 lengths</b>
My only slight quibble after the Lockinge was that Frankel’s rating was not raised by Timeform or the Racing Post. The BHA seem to have a set of rules of their won so I have never much worried about them but, to me, Frankel had beaten both Excelebration and Dubawi Gold by a length more than at Ascot in the QEII so deserved a higher rating. I needn’t have worried I suppose as the higher rating was soon to come.
I had my ticket booked well in advance for that first day of the meeting and what a meeting it promised to be. The two best horses in the world would be there – Frankel and the great unbeaten mare, Black Caviar. There had been some fierce debates on here all spring between the Brits and the Aussies as to which horse was the better. Of course there was never any chance that they would actually meet but the meeting would at least provide us with the opportunity to make some sort of comparison. Frankel was due to kick the whole meeting off and I was feeling very bullish. This is what I wrote a couple of days before the race on my Joni’s Poni’s thread –
<b>We kick off on Tuesday with the Wonderhorse. I will be there of course and I am already twitching in my pants at the thought of it!
My good friend TAPK always says that confidence is king and I have never been more confident about the horse so have had two bets with Coral’s. To win by 7 lengths or more at 7-2 and to win by more than 10 lengths at 10-1.
There is method in my madness. I am pretty sure his only worthwhile opponent will be Excelebration (which is disappointing but we’ll talk about that another day). Strong Suit was doubtful before the rain so I can’t imagine him turning up and SYT is bound for the POW (excuse all the ABV’s!). I am convinced Frankel’s superiority will be greater than ever for two reasons. Firstly this is his second run of the season and there is a good chance he will have come on for Newbury and secondly I think he will handle the conditions much better than Excel. Now a glance at Excel’s win record would seem to contradict that as he has won 3 from 3 on soft ground including his only Group 1. But if you look at his RPR’s he has actually produced his best form on better ground. Watch the video of his win in France – a race he was really entitled to win – and you will see that it was very workmanlike and he took a while to pick up. I have always thought he was a better 7f horse than mile and I expect to see Frankel pull away in the final furlong to win by a long way.
"But what about Frankel on soft ground?" I hear you cry! Watch the Royal Lodge. Watch his first race. He loves it. He will power through it like a knife through butter!</b>
So it went almost to the letter. Team Coolmore to their credit tried something different. Joseph rode Excelebration much closer to the pace this time and attempted to go with Frankel when Tom angled him out between the three and the two pole. It was the right thing to do obviously as he HAD to try and win the race but no horse can live with Frankel for three furlongs and the tactic very nearly cost him second place. By now my little 3 year old Otis was as obsessed with Frankel as I was and so I decided to record the finish on my phone. All you can hear on the footage is me screaming “FURTHER!!! FURTHER!!! FURTHER!!!!! GO ON TOMMY BOY!! FURTHER!!!! YESSSSSSSSS!!!! MUST BE 10 LENGTHS!!!”
It was 11.
Nothing I could say would be able to do justice to that performance. I have it on a par with the Guineas as his best ever. Unbelievable. To win a Group 1 race over a mile on decent ground by 11 lengths.
So this time there was no argument. Timeform and Racing Post elevated him to the highest rating in their history – he was now the best of all time on their ratings.
This would be the last time he would ever race against his old adversary and whipping boy Excelebration so perhaps it is worth debating the actual relative merits of the two. What was the level of superiority that Frankel held over him? Some suggested after his brilliant win in the QEII this year that Excelebration was a better horse in that race than when he faced Frankel. I don’t buy it. Excelebration was brilliant in that race and there was nobody happier than me when he scooted clear, but he was able to race in his comfort zone and wasn’t required to win his race until the final furlong. He was never allowed that luxury against Frankel.
If you look down the list of horses that Frankel beat over his career you will see countless examples of horses that ran under par against him. Dream Ahead, Roderic O Connor, Casamento, Pathfork, Wooten Basset, Canford Cliffs, Dubawi Gold, Strong Suit, Premier Loco and Red Jazz are just some of the Group winners that seriously under-performed in mile races against Frankel. Were they ALL off colour? Did they ALL just have an off day? Of course not. Frankel made them start racing two furlongs earlier than they wanted to. He took them out of their comfort zones. He almost literally, in the case of one or two, broke them. I believe that if Frankel had run in this year’s QEII he would have beaten Excelebration by between 6 to 8 lengths. It would have been a completely different race to the one that unfolded and it would have followed the same pattern as all the others.
Anyway that is all conjecture, the fact is, in the Queen Anne, Excelebration tried to beat him and paid a heavy price.
By now the atmosphere at any Frankel race was like Cheltenham Gold Cup times two. The reception he received as he did his victory parade in front of the stands had my hairs standing up. It was yet another truly memorable day.A few days later we all know what happened to Black Caviar. The debate was over.
All the 11’s. 11 races, 11 wins, 11 lengths.
<b>1st August 2012 – Sussex Stakes – Glorious Goodwood – Frankel wins by 6 lengths</b>
So you all know that I love Sir Henry with a passion bordering on the obsessive right? If you didn’t know before you should do now before you read on. He is my ultimate sporting hero and I have followed him and his stable all my life. He can do virtually no wrong in my eyes and his handling of Frankel has been, in my opinion, impeccable. I can honestly, hand on heart, say that I agreed with every decision he ever made about Frankel’s race programme apart from one. Why did he run him in the Sussex again?
I spent much of the summer fiercely defending Frankel and Sir Henry on TRF and was pleased to do so, but even I struggled to defend the decision to skip the Eclipse and run in the Sussex. For me and many others it was now time to step up. He had proved everything he needed to over a mile and produced the ultimate mile performance at Royal Ascot. What else did he have to prove? Ok so I have since heard Teddy defend the decision by saying that after Royal Ascot the main aim was he Juddmonte and that the Sussex fell nicely in line with that programme as it enabled them to have Frankel spot on for York. But I would so dearly have loved to see Frankel win an Eclipse. At the time it also looked like it would be a mouth-watering clash as So You Think was due to run his last race there. Ultimately that never happened either but it was disappointing nonetheless.
What Sir Henry HAD said in interview was that he wasn’t sure if he wanted Frankel to be trying the longer trip for the first time on a track as stiff as Sandown. Even though York is a slightly extended 10 furlongs it is a flat track and so much less of a test. Perhaps Sir Henry still had some doubts that Frankel would be as effective over a stiff 10f. Or perhaps he did not want to be giving him too hard a race in the middle of the season. Does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Will we be worrying about it in 10 years time when we look back on his career? I won’t. But I did at the time. The upside however was that Frankel would be attempting to win back to back Sussex’ – something no horse had ever managed before.
I doubt I will ever go to Goodwood again. I set off nice and early and arrived at the track car park over an hour before the first race. I MISSED the first race. It took me over an hour to park. It was a complete shambles. Ridiculous actually – they let far too many people in. It was impossible to see much from the paddock and the stands were way too overcrowded. I left as soon as Frankel had done the business.
The race itself was Frankel’s easiest. I just watched the replay of it to remind myself of how easy it actually was. He could have won by over 10 lengths if Tom hadn’t started easing him down half a furlong out. Watching again just now reminds me also of how wonderfully versatile Frankel was. He won on all types of ground obviously but also all tracks were the same to him. A lot of horses struggle with the undulations at Goodwood but I think it was actually one of Frankel’s favourite courses. You can see how much fun he had running down that hill on the entrance to the straight. I reckon that was the fastest speed he ever hit, in those two races at Goodwood. It was a procession and it was beautiful to watch still. Every time I saw Frankel I was determined to savour it knowing that I would never see another like him. I could never get tired of watching him. The crowd just clapped in the last furlong.
Supreme. Majestic. Effortless. Flawless.
The remarkable thing was that you realised that you had basically just been watching a horse being put right for York. They said as much after. “That should put him spot on for York” – extraordinary.
12 from 12.
<b>August 12th – The Juddmonte International – York – Frankel wins by 7 lengths </b>
I wonder if history will temper our appreciation of this magnificent horse or exaggerate it. As many have said over the last couple of years, it was not just the facts and figures that made Frankel an all time great, it was the feeling he engendered in people. This was never more evident than at York but before I talk about that amazing day in the middle of that amazing sporting summer of 2012 it is worth just reminding oneself OF some of those facts and figures.
Let’s start with his winning margins. As I sat there just now typing “Frankel wins by 7 lengths” it struck me once more how extraordinary those winning margins were. After the balls up of the SJP only one horse managed to get within 4 lengths of him – Cirrus in the Champion. He won by 5 lengths, 4 lengths, 5 lengths, 11 lengths, 6 lengths and 7 lengths – the sort of figures you would expect to see from a National Hunt horse but not a horse running over a mile!
In fact, if you take out his debut and the SJP, only 2 horses ever finished within 4 lengths of Frankel – Roderic O Connor in the Dewhurst and Cirrus in the Champion. I once read that the definition of greatness is the superiority you hold over your rivals. It is why, for me, Bradman is the greatest sportsman that has ever lived – an average of 99.94 compared to the next best of just over 60. Frankel has produced Bradman like figures in his sport. He did not just beat his rivals, he destroyed them. And not just once but time after time after time. Shergar had his Derby, Hawk Wing his Lockinge, Harbinger his King George. Frankel had one after another after another. Sometimes I would really have to scratch my head when people came on this forum and tried to pick holes in his form. How absurd. Or when people tried to pick holes in a trainer who readied his horse to perform to his absolute peak on 14 occasions. After years of producing the most exquisite paintings, Frankel was truly Sir Henry Cecil’s masterpiece.
So in contrast to Goodwood, I would happily make the long drive to York racecourse every year. That Ebor meeting is wonderful and this year was my third consecutive year. I love the crowds up there. No pretence, just people who love to cheer on their horses. A publicity campaign like no other, which included a 30 second television commercial, had brought a record crowd to York. We were all there to see if he could do it. Could he handle the step up in trip to 10f?
So much was riding on this obviously. Whilst the likes of me were happy to proclaim Frankel the greatest ever long before this day, many others quite understandably wanted him to prove that he was more than just a miler. They wanted him to prove that he was versatile. All the other greats, Nijinsky, The Brigadier, Mill Reef, Sea The Stars had won over several distances. So far Frankel had only won over 7f and a mile. York was to be the final test.
I was at the pre-parade ring in good time as usual but before I saw Frankel my heart sank as I saw Sir Henry. It was a terrible shock to see him looking like that. I’ll say no more but I pray he keeps fighting and recovers.
The opposition was up to scratch. Farrh had run consistently well in three Group 1 races only narrowly losing out to Nathaniel in the Eclipse and being an unlucky in running third behind So You Think in the Prince of Wales. Four time Group 1 winner St Nicholas Abbey had already won the Coronation before being given a lot to do in Danedream’s King George and Aiden had been adamant that he would be best suited by a properly run 10f on fast ground – he got his wish. Four time Group 1 winner and last year’s victor Twice Over also lined up and, though he was past his best now, he had also run well in the Eclipse. Ballydoyle this time employed two pacemakers and the plan was very clear – try to draw the stamina out of Frankel.
So the scene was set and the race went as expected. I have now watched this race about 60 or 70 times. Not because I am THAT sad but because it has become part of Oti’s bedtime routine. You worry for this boy. Most children like to have a bedtime sorry. Oti likes to watch the replay of the Juddmonte International – from start to finish (woe betides me if I only play the last 3 furlongs!!). Every time he watches it you would think it was the first, such is his excitement (not the best thing for him to watch before bedtime my wife rightly tells me.) He knows that Robin Hood sets off in front pursued by Windsor Castle and Bullet Train (“Frankel’s brother…….he helps Frankel”). He knows that Frankel settles in rear and settles beautifully. He knows that St Nic is ridden quite prominently, ready to take over when his pacemakers tire. He knows that they cross over to the stands side rail when they enter the straight and that both Farhh, St Nic and Frankel come there on the bit two and a half from home. He then knows that Simon Holt will say those words I will never forget “And……THEY CAN’T GET HIM OFF THE BRIDLE!!!!” before Tom gives Frankel a little kick and he takes off. “GOOOOOOO!!!” cries Oti. “MIGHTY FRANKEL!!!”
Watching from the stands the noise was deafening but half of that was my fault. He had done it. I rushed to the winners circle but I couldn’t get within 20 metres. Even on tiptoes I could barely see him enter but it didn’t matter. The roar was all you wanted to hear. It was very emotional and very wonderful. Another unforgettable day.
Watching it time after time as I have done, you can see that the final margin of victory was purely a matter of when Tom asked him to quicken. It being his first time over the longer trip, it was no surprise that he held on to him slightly longer than normal. I honestly think he could have won by over 10 lengths if he had wanted. I had backed him to win by 8 this time so was 1 out! This is an interesting point though because I have read people say in the past that Frankel’s style of racing was not very subtle. That he would just blast away his rivals from way out with all that power and speed.
Well yes he did kind of do that over a mile where it was his sustained burst over three furlongs that his rivals couldn’t cope with, but he didn’t do the same over 10f. In both the Juddmonte and the Champion Tom waited until the final furlong before unleashing him, rather rubbishing the theory that Frankel needed a long straight where he could unfurl that huge stride to be seen at his best. Frankel would have won around Chester. His turn of foot was instant. He could win races from the front, from just in behind or, as in his last two races, right from the back of the field. Yes he was powerful but he was also the most fluent, beautiful mover I have ever seen. He was graceful and athletic and he hardly seemed to be touching the ground. Watch the first four furlongs of the Guineas again and you will see the closest thing to Pegasus you are ever likely to see. It looks like a pebble being skimmed over a lake.
It looks like he is flying.
13 from 13.
<b>20th October 2012 – The Champion Stakes – Ascot – Frankel wins by 1 ¾ lengths</b>
I wonder how close they actually came to not running him?
Whenever I have a ground dependent horse running in a big race I keep a check out for the weather forecast maybe a couple of times a day. Not that Frankel was ever ground dependent but in the lead up to the Champion I was checking it every hour as connections had said they would be concerned about running him on bottomless ground. The lead up to the race was dominated by the atrocious weather and I was desperately worried that we would be denied our last ever sighting of Frankel by heavy ground. As I had bought tickets for the whole family this time, I was praying for the rain to ease off. My prayers weren’t answered and the going was changed to soft, heavy in places on the eve of the race.
On the morning of the race I watched the Morning Line with trepidation but then delight when Teddy announced he would definitely be running. For anyone who still thought that Team Frankel just played it safe all the time, here was a final dent in that argument. The easiest thing would have been to pull him out and retire him unbeaten but they didn’t and they deserve tremendous credit for that. The ground did mean though that his two main adversaries would have conditions exactly as they would have wished.
Nathaniel was re-opposing after running him to within half a length on their debuts. This would also be his last race and he was looking to add this race to the Eclipse and King George. Cirrus Des Aigles was the biggest threat however. Last year’s winner, his previous three runs on heavy ground had resulted in wins by 8 lengths, 9 lengths and 8 lengths – he was Frankelesque on heavy ground!
As the week went on Frankel’s odds started to drift as it became more apparent that he would be running on by far the worst surface he had faced since his debut and against a heavy ground monster. I must admit even I was worried and had only predicted a three length win for the wonder horse!
The day itself somehow managed to elevate itself even above York. A packed crowd was there to see one horse. Could he finish his unbelievable career unbeaten? Forget my “O” Levels. Forget my driving test. Forget my wedding day. This was the most nervous I had been since the birth of my twins. Defeat was not an option for me. He HAD to win.
So the twins are only three but I really want them to be able to say in 80 years time “we were there. We saw Frankel race.” Well they were and they did. We found a great spot in the stands and kept it throughout the day and so were able to cheer good old Excelebration home when he blitzed his field in the QEII. He ran so much better than I thought he would on that ground, but seeing him win like that gave me so much more confidence that Frankel would be able to handle the surface fine.
After Excelebration I went down to the pre-parade to see my lovely horse one last time at close quarters. Of course that was not possible as thousands had passed over watching the QEII to get a position close to the paddock but I still saw enough on tip-toes to know that he was in magnificent shape once again.
As post time got nearer the excitement grew and grew. When Otis and Iris saw Frankel appear from under the tunnel they started shouting and waving their flags and I had to wipe away the first of many tears.
We all know what happened in the race. He missed the break quite badly losing a good 4 lengths on his main rivals. Ian Mongan took a pull on Bullet Train to allow his little brother to catch up and slip stream him but it was not exactly going to plan in that first half of the race. Bearing in mind that the worse ground was at Swinley Bottom it was not the best place to be making up ground. Watching the race on the big screen it was clear that Frankel was handling the ground ok but it could perhaps be argued that he was not travelling quite with his usual zest. As was expected, Nathaniel and Cirrus committed a long way out in an attempt to draw the sting out of Frankel but still Tom was sitting pretty two out. Watching the replay it is remarkable to see the second best horse in the world, flat out on ground he loves whilst the best horse in the world saunters up to him on the bridle. Nathaniel was beaten some way out and now it was just a matter of when Tom would press the button.
In the stands the noise was deafening. Otis and Iris were standing on their seats. I was jumping up and down and screaming “HOLD HIM TOMMY!!! HOLD HIM!!!!” For me it was vital that he did not go too soon on that ground against a proven middle distance horse. For the 13th time out of 14 Tom pretty much rode the perfect race and let him go at exactly the right moment. Frankel quickened as he always does but Cirrus was not stopping. Tom had to give him a very rare tap but Frankel responded and gradually drew clear. This was not a take your breath away performance as some of the others had been but it showed a side to Frankel that we had never really needed to see before. It showed his courage and guts and sheer determination to win. Tom has said that he has never ridden a horse that has so much will to win as Frankel and this was abundantly evident on that day.As he passed the post a length and three quarters ahead, myself and thousands around me were in a state of sheer delirium. My voice was already hoarse, my nerves were shattered but I felt just so incredibly happy. I looked down at my two little ones and the looks on their faces told me they would be hooked on racing for life. Poor things! The problem is – what can possibly match this?!
We didn’t stay for the celebrations as I had pushed my luck enough in getting the wife to agree to a family jaunt but you could hear the cheers from the car park as he was brought into the winner’s enclosure for that last time. I was on a wave of elation and didn’t come down for days.
So there we go. 14 out of 14. The perfect record for the perfect racehorse. Flawless.
The next few weeks were difficult. This may sound melodramatic even for me but I honestly felt like there was a hole in my life. I have spent so much of the last two and a half years occupied with this story that I felt ever so sad that it was now over. When you see Frankel you see a horse that was simply born to run. That is his purpose. That is what he was made for. The thought that he would never get to show off like that again made me feel really sorry for the horse. I bet HE will miss it so much. A few weeks on and I am feeling much better. I have wonderful memories. Some great memorabilia including those wonderful photos from Gord and another fantastic one that the lovely man that is Hammy recently sent me from one he took on the day of the 2,000 Guineas.
Looking back it has been an amazing journey and I genuinely feel very blessed and lucky to have been around to see it. This horse coming now and being trained by my sporting hero is more than I could have ever hoped for and it is made even more special by the fact that Henry was as good as finished a few years ago. Teddy described it recently as one of THE great sporting comebacks and it is hard to argue with that. It sounds silly but I almost feel I don’t need to ask for anything from my racing again. This was it. This was the ultimate. Frankel is the best thing that has happened in my sporting life (and I am sporting mad!!!)
Do we need to answer the one remaining question? Was he the greatest of all time?
Well of course, as dear old J17 would point out, it can never be proved so why bother trying to prove it? I know that I will only be knocked down by my sworn enemies, the dastardly Andyod, the dark and mysterious Ugly Mare, the fearsome Del Boy and the crooked genius that is The Ante Post King. But who can knock them for having a contrary opinion to me?
I am happy enough with what I saw. I am happy enough to listen to the words of jockeys, trainers and racing professionals of all ages from England, Ireland, France, America, Australia, Japan and Timbuktu who say that THEY have never seen his like. I am happy enough to take heed of the owner who has the previously incomparable Dancing Brave to compare him to. And I am happy enough to take the word of his legendary trainer who would rather compare the roses in his garden than the horses in his stable. If I ever doubt it I will just watch those 14 races again. Those 14 masterpieces. And I will see a horse do what no other has been able to do before. To win with such style. Such elan. A horse who was able to engender so much passion in his millions of followers in a way that previously only our jumping equine stars could. A horse for the ages. For me the Greatest of All Time.
The mighty wonder horse.
Thank you Frankel.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Post of the Year by Poster of the year for me,simple as that!
Where the – do you get the idea I’ve got a Midlands accent from though? I was born in London to Purple stock and lived like a Heathen in Scotland for 6 years,in between I was sentenced to 18 months at Catterick.My accent is as unique as me my friend!
Post of the Year by Poster of the year for me,simple as that!
Where the – do you get the idea I’ve got a Midlands accent from though? I was born in London to Purple stock and lived like a Heathen in Scotland for 6 years,in between I was sentenced to 18 months at Catterick.My accent is as unique as me my friend!Well it aint from London. It is certainly not Scaaaawtish either. Maybe Pontefract? Either way it is a voice any 3am DJ would be proud of!
Thanks Gord.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
When I was 18, I spent the night with three Algerians in Ferney Voltaire.
None of which has anything to do with the crux of this post.
Mike
When I was 18, I spent the night with three Algerians in Ferney Voltaire.
None of which has anything to do with the crux of this post.
Mike
Mike – I am so glad my little tale has brought back happy memories. Even if they might not be the ones I had been hoping to invoke when writing it.
It is a fairly dismal place though no?!
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
When I was 18, I spent the night with three Algerians in Ferney Voltaire.
None of which has anything to do with the crux of this post.
Mike
Mike – I am so glad my little tale has brought back happy memories. Even if they might not be the ones I had been hoping to invoke when writing it.
It is a fairly dismal place though no?!
Well this was 1982 so much may have changed!
The Algerians were ‘guest workers’ in Geneva which meant they had menial jobs in the city but the Swiss authorities refused to let them live in the place. Hence they were bussed back over the French border every night to sleep in pre-erected tents on a workers campsite. Dunno if the Swiss are still pulling that stroke – as they are non-EU members, probably.
The Arabs were OK though, but we all slept on our wallets.
I remember it as a place where everyone arrived to go somewhere else. Although you can apparently get a tour round CERN if particle physics is your bag.
Mike
At about the same time as you Mr Large I stayed in a Gastarbeiter, which on return to these shores elicited comments along the lines of ‘wot no AIDS then’
Gasthaus, silly me
Cracking post Joni
When you see Frankel you see a horse that was simply born to run. That is his purpose. That is what he was made for. The thought that he would never get to show off like that again made me feel really sorry for the horse. I bet HE will miss it so much.
The above quote is so true and one that I also feel very strongly about. Yes, I guess we all know that retirement is well deserved for any horse but when it was officially announced after the Champion Stakes that Frankel was retired, I felt like teleporting over to Mr Abdulla & Mr Grimthorpe and shouting to them "What in the name of the devil have you just bloody done?"
…If Frankel would’ve stayed in training at 5, I seriously believe he’d have been even better and could’ve set an unsurpassable distinction in Flat Racing.
And for all of his sensational 14 race career, I’ll forever think that we never seen the best of Frankel. He was that ******* brilliant!
Why he did not go to the BC I will never understand and no amount of explaining will satisfy me.Can you imagine the welcome he would have gotten and the reception after his victory? I am a veteran race goer and I made it there with the help of a walker and some friends. I know, I know.But the BC demands one’s attendance.And it only cost $15 to get in.Why I would have even paid $20.
Cracking piece of writing.
I actually think his last race was one of the most impressive, to overcome the bad start, the poor ground and maybe the best rivals he has faced who also liked that ground. Not as impressive as the 2000G though – now THAT was amazing!
Why he did not go to the BC I will never understand and no amount of explaining will satisfy me.Can you imagine the welcome he would have gotten and the reception after his victory? I am a veteran race goer and I made it there with the help of a walker and some friends. I know, I know.But the BC demands one’s attendance.And it only cost $15 to get in.Why I would have even paid $20.
That shows dedication Andy! Good on you sir.
I’m afraid that interest in the BC is on the wane in Britain as evidenced by our poor representation there. There was little interest on this forum either. Personally I forgot to watch it.
As for Frankel, the decision was made as soon as the surface was changed back from Pro-ride to dirt.
Thanks Aji and Pants for your comments.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
A fabulous summary Joni, and written to professional journo standard too. It’s the first Frankel fix I’ve had since Ascot and it brightened my evening. Well done!
For my part I find myself a little sad at his future prospects. It hadn’t really occurred to me before but I would hazard a guess that the greatest equine running machine I’ve ever seen will never run another yard in his remaining years.
Of course stallions don’t gallop after retirement, that’s no surprise, however in the past we always saw the various stallions out in their boarded paddocks on the various studs around town. They were free to have a run around the confines of their paddocks. I’m guessing (Perhaps incorrectly?) that given the prestige and value of this pretty much unprecedented race horse he will only be allowed out of a box with someone in attendance and on a lead rope? He will perhaps never take another single pace at running speed?
I don’t know if my fears have any foundation, but it is a horrible thought, the greatest horse ever to run never being allowed to stretch his legs again.
Jonibake, a pity perhaps there will be a better crop of 3yos next year.Bottom line is you must bring your best to compete at that level. There was a lack of good horses this year in England with the one exception.
A fabulous summary Joni, and written to professional journo standard too. It’s the first Frankel fix I’ve had since Ascot and it brightened my evening. Well done!
For my part I find myself a little sad at his future prospects. It hadn’t really occurred to me before but I would hazard a guess that the greatest equine running machine I’ve ever seen will never run another yard in his remaining years.
Of course stallions don’t gallop after retirement, that’s no surprise, however in the past we always saw the various stallions out in their boarded paddocks on the various studs around town. They were free to have a run around the confines of their paddocks. I’m guessing (Perhaps incorrectly?) that given the prestige and value of this pretty much unprecedented race horse he will only be allowed out of a box with someone in attendance and on a lead rope? He will perhaps never take another single pace at running speed?
I don’t know if my fears have any foundation, but it is a horrible thought, the greatest horse ever to run never being allowed to stretch his legs again.
Thanks Hammy! If ever you want to reminisce, you know where I am.
I read the other day that it is very important they are properly exercised at stud as servicing 125 frisky mares in 4 months takes some stamina! Apparently he is walked several miles a day. I’m sure he will be given a nice field to run around in. A happy horse is a horny horse. Well I know that’s the case with me anyway!
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Fantastic post, deserves to be bumped so others can i enjoy it as much as I just have.
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