Twelve in succession for fantastic Frankel

Published on 02/08/2012 00:00

Frankel set up perfectly a trip to York for the Juddmonte International when extending his unbeaten record to 12 with another awesome performance in yesterday’s Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Following his 11-length demolition job in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, the world’s highest-rated racehorse faced just three rivals as he defended his Goodwood crown, including his pacemaker, Bullet Train.

The latter predictably cut out the early running, but Tom Queally was never too far behind on Frankel in second and the 1-20 favourite eased to the front with a couple of furlongs to travel. The result was never in doubt thereafter as Sir Henry Cecil’s incredible four-year-old engaged top gear to pull right away in the closing stages.

Godolphin’s Farhh (11-1) came through to finish a distant six-length second.

Farhh had been supplemented for the race following two excellent runs at the highest level, finishing third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and second in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. But it was clear rounding the home turn that he would not be troubling Frankel as Frankie Dettori was already hard at work just to keep up, as was Paul Hanagan on Gabrial.

Bullet Train did his job perfectly and the change of gear by Frankel once asked to stretch by Queally was again mesmerising.

A first try at ten furlongs will be next for Frankel on 22 August, in a race his owner Khalid Abdullah sponsors. Teddy Grimthorpe, Abdullah’s racing manager, said: “It was set up really, really well. Bullet Train went a nice gallop for him and he just increased when he needed to.

“Tom let him roll down the hill and then let out a few inches of rein, then he just quickened as he does which is so fantastic. He put it to bed in a few strides, which is him.

“It’s a pleasure to watch him. He’s much more mature, both mentally and physically. Henry and everyone at Warren Place have done a fantastic job, it’s been a great effort to get him spot on.

“I think it’s hugely exciting that he’s going to step up in trip (for the Juddmonte International). It’s a new challenge for him, it’s what everybody wants to see him do and he’s ready to do it.”