Statue to be unveiled at York of legendary racehorse Frankel

This is the stunning sculpture of legendary racehorse Frankel that will take centre-stage on day one of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.
Sophie Blades, from York Racecourse wiping the rain drops off the new Frankel statue.Sophie Blades, from York Racecourse wiping the rain drops off the new Frankel statue.
Sophie Blades, from York Racecourse wiping the rain drops off the new Frankel statue.

Created by the acclaimed artist Mark Coreth, the life-size bronze marks the completion of the £10m Northern End redevelopment at York Racecourse to provide enhanced facilities for trainers and racegoers alike.

Frankel’s imposing statue – the champion was an imposing 16.1 hands tall – overlooks new gates that have been erected in memory of the horse’s late trainer Sir Henry Cecil who always enjoyed a special affinity with York racegoers.

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They’re due to officially opened tomorrow by Sir Henry’s widow Lady Jane Cecil ahead of the Juddmonte International which Frankel won in such scintillating style three years ago.

His mesmerising performance has helped elevate the race to the best in the world on official ratings and tomorrow’s showdown between Frankie Dettori’s Epsom Derby hero Golden Horn and Aidan O’Brien’s champion miler Gleneagles is one of the most eagerly-awaited clashes of recent years.

Conditions should be close to perfect, according to assistant clerk of the course Anthea Morshead, for four days of compelling racing in which top thoroughbreds will compete for record prize money of £3.8m.

The meeting has also become synonymous with Yorkshire food and fashion – some 80 chefs , backed by a wider raceday team of 1,800 staff, will cater for an anticipated 90,000 racegoers this week. Seafood, including 2,000 crab, will be delivered from the East Coast every morning , joining Dales lamb and 3,000 homemade beefburgers, Hawes cheeses, and 6,000 fresh-baked fruit scones as part of the racecourse’s longstanding commitment to support this county’s food producers.

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