Sir Henry Cecil

[ScouseFox]

RIP. A true legend of racing. I guess Frankel was a fitting way for such a great to bow out. 

 

 

 

Sir Henry Cecil: Legendary trainer dies aged 70

Sir Henry Cecil, 10-time champion trainer, has died at the age of 70.

Responsible for 25 British Classic winners, Cecil was also the leading handler at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes.

Cecil, who was knighted in 2011, battled cancer in his later years.

Towards the end of his career, the Newmarket trainer looked after Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.

"It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning," said a statement posted onCecil's website. 

"Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil.

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"No further update is anticipated this afternoon."

Cecil first took out a training licence in 1969.

He had his first British Classic win with Bolkonski in the 1975 renewal of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, following up in the same race a year later with Wollow.

Both horses were ridden by Frankie Dettori's father, Gianfranco.

Cecil excelled with fillies, and trained six 1,000 Guineas winners and eight Oaks victors, his last Epsom heroine being Light Shift in 2007.

He had four Derby winners - Slip Anchor, Reference Point, Commander In Chief and Oath - and four St Leger triumphs.

Among his Leger winners was Oh So Sharp, who completed the fillies' Triple Crown of 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Leger under Steve Cauthen, with whom Cecil enjoyed a spectacular association.

But for all the great horses to pass through his care, the best was saved until last in Frankel. who retired to stud with an unbeaten 14-race record.

 

[Guest MattP]

Gutted.

 

Only spoke to him once very briefly but a lovely man and a real gentleman of the sport.

 

Frankel was a lovely memory to leave us all with.

[ousefox]

RIP. Cracking trainer and so glad he got to see such a great horse in frankel.

[Bert]

One of the few times we can actually call someone a "legend".

 

RIP, Sir Henry.

[cambridgefox]

Gutted.

 

Only spoke to him once very briefly but a lovely man and a real gentleman of the sport.

 

Frankel was a lovely memory to leave us all with.

Very sad day indeed,used to go to a few parties in the Newmarket area with his daughter Katie( friend went to school with her)Half Humblebrag?

This man was one of the best flat race trainers there has ever been.

[Guest MattP]

Very good Humblebrag.

[Libertine Dream]

One of the few times we can actually call someone a "legend".

 

RIP, Sir Henry.

Amen

[Renart]

One of the few times we can actually call someone a "legend".

 

RIP, Sir Henry.

 

Indeed. Was lucky enough to be at Ascot the last time Frankle ran. Great man and great trainer.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7nNfT2ZvE

[Guest MattP]

Indeed. Was lucky enough to be at Ascot the last time Frankle ran. Great man and great trainer.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7nNfT2ZvE

 

Was there as well, what a great day it was.

[Simmo86]

One of the few times we can actually call someone a "legend".

 

RIP, Sir Henry.

 

x2

 

RIP

[Matt]

RIP.

 

Abit of a shock really, I mean I knew he was quite ill, had a bad form of cancer (Silly comment really, there is no good form is there.) and had battled for years but I thought it was being treated and he was ok, aswell as he could be.

[AoWW]

Used to ride out for him many years ago. A true professional and a legend in his field. 

 

I saw him in Newmarket a couple of months ago and he didn't look at all well so I can't say I'm too surprised at this sad news.

 

RIP

[Guest Bilo]

Incredible trainer, deserves all the plaudits he will get. I didn't realise he was only 70 either.

 

RIP.