Frankel bound for Champion Stakes at Ascot

Connections of Frankel have confirmed the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October as the intended next target for the world’s highest rated racehorse.

Sir Henry Cecil’s incredible colt produced another mesmerising 
performance to land the Juddmonte International at York last week on his first attempt at a mile and quarter, after which his options were discussed.

The Prix du Moulin at Longchamp was a potential September target, while the possibility of a step up to a mile and a half for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was also a mouth-watering possibility.

However, an appearance on Champions Day on 20 October always seemed his most likely destination and Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, confirmed that intention in a brief statement yesterday.

Grimthorpe said: “Following discussions with Sir Henry Cecil, Prince Khalid has decided Frankel’s next race will be the Champion Stakes at Ascot on 20 October.”