Training ‘genius’ Cecil, 70, succumbs to cancer

FROM Celestial Cloud’s win at Ripon in 1969 to the high emotion of Frankel’s victory at York last summer, many of the legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil’s most famous triumphs came in Yorkshire as the world of racing hailed one of the all-time greats of the turf.
Trainer Henry CecilTrainer Henry Cecil
Trainer Henry Cecil

To many, the abiding image of Sir Henry, who lost his long and valiant battle against cancer yesterday at the age of 70, was a pencil-thin figure – his voice barely audible – in the Knavesmire parade ring last August supervising the world-beating Frankel who turned the Juddmonte International into a procession.

Back then, as cries of “three cheers for Sir Henry” echoed around the picturesque paddock, many feared that the 10-times champion trainer had just days to live – and it is testament to his inner strength that he survived long enough to see Frankel, his horse of a lifetime, retire unbeaten and to oversee this year’s string that will be trained by his widow Lady Jane, who has been granted a temporary licence.

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Yet the picture of a gaunt Sir Henry, resplendent in a fedora hat, should not detract from the memory of a fun-loving individual with a colourful private life, who won a record 25 English Classics.

Before Frankel’s exploits, the finest hour for Sir Henry, who owned a stud at Helmsley, came in 1985 when Oh So Sharp completed the fillies’ Triple Crown when she added Doncaster’s St Leger to the 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks.

She was ridden by the legendary American jockey Steve Cauthen who described Sir Henry as “a genius”. He added: “He had a great sense of humour. He was a super intelligent guy and knew how to place his horses. He tried to have fun. To have a horse like Frankel and finish off his career when he wasn’t in great health was incredible.”

Sir Henry also trained a record seven Dante winners at York where jockeys will wear black armbands this weekend in tribute. One of his last winners was First Mohican, who prevailed at the track on May 15.

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