Knighthood should be bestowed during Ascot

The Channel 4 and At The Races pundit believes it would be the perfect setting for Her Majesty to bestow the honour on the highly-popular trainer.

“Imagine the Queen confirming the knighthood on Sir Henry Cecil this week in the paddock at Royal Ascot,” said McCririck. “Just as Queen Elizabeth I dubbed Sir Francis Drake at Plymouth Hoe in 1588, after a game of bowls, so Her Majesty could honour racing’s latest knight uniquely at her beloved Ascot.

“She has attended all 67 meetings since 1945, and here, rather than during an exclusive traditional investiture at Buckingham Palace, would be acclaimed worldwide.

“After the Royal wedding, the first Royal visit to Ireland for 100 years, hosting President Obama and the Derby drama with Carlton House, tapping a kneeling Sir Henry with her sword as a tumultuous crowd erupted in enthusiastic delight, must be priceless for Britain’s image worldwide.

“Every media outlet would seize upon the spectacle.

“Not only would racing be splashed over the sports pages, but the front pages, all TV and Radio bulletins, magazines and the internet for an historic, unforgettable Royal memory.

“Arise Sir Henry.”

Cecil will be looking for a winning start to his week as Frankel runs in the eagerly-awaited St James’s Palace Stakes tomorrow.

Racing’s new superstar will face eight rivals as he bids to enhance his tall reputation to greater heights.

The brilliant all-the-way winner of the 2000 Guineas puts his 100 per cent record on the line as he goes for a third Group One success and a seventh career victory.

However, Khalid Abdullah’s magnificent colt, trained by Cecil, will be taken on by strong opposition as other talented three-year-olds attempt to knock him off his pedestal.

Richard Hannon’s Dubawi Gold, who was six lengths behind Frankel in second place at Newmarket, takes him on again after also occupying the runner-up spot in the Irish 2000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien, who won the Curragh Classic with Roderic O’Connor, relies on Zoffany.

David Simcock’s Dream Ahead could finally make his seasonal debut as connections look for suitable ground conditions while Richard Fahey is keen to give Wootton Bassett another chance after he could only finish fifth in the French 2000 Guineas.

Marco Botti’s German 2000 Guineas winner Excelebration, Japanese challenger Grand Prix Boss and Neebras, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, complete the line-up.