Frankel: The 'world's best' racehorse reaches the finish

Tom Queally hugs Frankel after winning the Qipco Champion Stakes
Tom Queally hugs Frankel after winning the Qipco Champion Stakes Photo: PA Wire

He started slow, but Frankel had more than just the weight of his jockey to carry.

With thirteen wins in thirteen races the horse tipped to be the best needed the fourteenth to be his lucky race and he was not the only one - the weight of expectation on the four-year old was huge.

Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins of the Qipco Champion Stakes
Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins of the Qipco Champion Stakes Credit: PA Wire

As the 2-11 favourite and with some fantastic form behind him all Frankel had to do was run, but he certainly bided his time.

Already valued at over £100 million the colt made a final bid for the finish and clinched the Qipco Champion Stakes with time to spare, winning by a length and three quarters.

Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins of the Qipco Champion Stakes
Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins of the Qipco Champion Stakes Credit: PA Wire

”I can’t believe that in the history of racing there has ever been a better racehorse,” said Frankel’s trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, who, with more then forty years in the industry knows what he is talking about.

Tom Queally hugs Frankel after winning the Qipco Champion Stakes
Tom Queally hugs Frankel after winning the Qipco Champion Stakes Credit: PA Wire

Frankel will now retire and will not have to run again as it is expected that owners may well pay up to £100,000 for his services in the hope that their mares may breed his like again.

Although experts are sceptical there could ever be another Frankel.

As one advert says, there are only three certainties in life; "Death, taxes and Frankel."

Trainer of Frankel Sir Henry Cecil and his Jockey Tom Queally are presented with the Qipco Champion Stakes trophy
Trainer of Frankel Sir Henry Cecil and his Jockey Tom Queally are presented with the Qipco Champion Stakes trophy Credit: PA Wire