Sir Henry Cecil, who has died aged 70, with Frankel, rated by many as the greatest horse of all-time.
Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Sir Henry Cecil has passed away at the age of 70, said a statement posted on the Newmarket trainer’s official website on Tuesday.
Responsible for 25 British Classic winners and crowned champion trainer 10 times, Cecil was also the leading handler by some way at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes.
Knighted by the Queen in 2011, his later years saw him battle cancer but were illuminated by the great Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.
A statement posted on his website read: “It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning. Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil. No further update is anticipated this afternoon.”
Told of the news during a press conference on racing’s finances, Paul Bittar, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “He’s been one of the great characters in British racing for a long time, he had endless numbers of wonderful horses. It’s tragically sad but what a great way to end a career, with one of the best horses any of us will ever see.” – The Guardian
