Midday set to emerge from the shadows of Frankel

His rides on Frankel, Sir Henry Cecil’s wonderhorse, have attracted as many brickbats as plaudits – though the jockey is quick to point out that this equine freak, an all-time great, is still unbeaten following eight starts.

Queally, a quietly-spoken Irishman respectful of Flat racing’s history, comes to the point quickly. “I will never ride a better horse,” he says.

Yet, a year ago, he expressed similar sentiments about Midday after her heroics in the Yorkshire Oaks.

The brilliant mare has now won six Grade One races (two more than Frankel) and is set to take on the colts at York this week in a fascinating battle of the sexes.

And when County Waterford-born Queally ultimately reflects on his career, he’s likely to be indebted to Midday for her enduring battling qualities that were again self-evident when she won a third-successive Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last month.

Without Midday – and a nerveless winning move up the inside to land Breeders’ Cup honours at Santa Anita, California in November 2009 – the 26-year-old jockey may not be riding the mighty Frankel. Racing can be that fickle.

“Frankel is obviously the best but she runs him a very close second and is certainly a personal favourite,” Queally told the Yorkshire Post. “She’s an amazing racehorse. She’s won six Grade Ones and she’s very, very professional. She’s helped me out immensely. When you get a big job, you need a horse to cement that relationship – and she did that.

“Look at how she dug deep to win the Middleton at York in May. She was a little ring-rusty, but still won.”

That said, Queally said stablemate Twice Over – winner of last month’s Sky Bet York Stakes, a 10th victory in a stellar career – should not be discounted when the two horses clash in the Juddmonte International, the Ebor Festival’s day one highlight.

“He’s been a great servant to me too, though we twice failed to bring home the Dubai World Cup, but I just think Midday will be the one to beat over 10 furlongs,” said Queally. “I fully understand Prince Khalid Abduallah’s decision to enter both. He owns Juddmonte and would love to win the race that he sponsors – it will mean the world to him.

“He’s a great man to ride for and you always get a special buzz when you put on his colours. They have such history. The same with Sir Henry Cecil and the whole team back at Warren House.

“It really is a team effort. It’s not just down to the jockey on the day. The great thing is we understand each other and get on.

“Sir Henry is a good friend and a nice man to work for. His success is that he gives horses time and only races them when they’re ready.”

By his own admission, Queally has become a more reserved individual this season because of the scrutiny that he has been subjected to following his rides on Frankel.

If the critics are to be believed, he set off too quickly in the 2000 Guineas and should not have scorched into the lead midway through the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot before riding the perfect race in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

As such, he’s unwilling to discuss whether Frankel should have been tested over 10 furlongs in the Juddmonte – or the chances of the colt staying in racing as a four-year-old.

“Those are matters for Prince Khalid. To be honest I just get on with my own thing,” added Queally. “In my mind, I knew he would beat Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes, but I didn’t say much beforehand because I didn’t want to set myself up for a fall. I haven’t changed my riding or anything.

“Frankel’s growing up all the time, he’s doing everything right at home and he’s a horse in a million. I won’t sit on another horse as good as him, even though I said that after Midday won the Yorkshire Oaks last year.”

It is not surprising that Frankel and Queally head the standings for the Qipco British Champions Series.

By the end of this week, Queally could have an overwhelming lead as the latest Qipco races include the Juddmonte and the Yorkshire Oaks where he partners Vita Nova.

“She was unlucky when her saddle slipped at Haydock in the Lancashire Oaks and we will be doing our best,” added Queally whose Ebor and Nunthorpe rides are still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Cecil plans to run the improving filly Wild Coco on Thursday, with the Sir Robert Ogden-owned Thomas Chippendale, a two-year-old newcomer of some repute, lining up in Friday’s Sky Bet Maiden Stakes.

“It will be his first race and he is a big colt who will most probably go straight on to a mile, but hopefully he will give a good account of himself on debut,” he said. “York is one of the highlights of the racing year. There is always such a marvellous attendance. Racegoers in the North really enjoy their racing and appreciate seeing really good horses.”

Queally concurs. “It is a special week and, with Sir Henry, it is all about the horse. He wants to get the best out of them over many years. It is why Midday continues to excel – if she was at any other stable, I doubt that she would have been so successful. If she wins the Juddmonte, I know I’ll feel as good as I have done after every one of Frankel’s successes.”

Tom Queally is sponsored by Racing UK, and you can join the horseracing channel today to watch every race live from the York Ebor Festival, including nine exclusive races, for half price for the first three months. To take up this exclusive Yorkshire Post deal call 0844 472 9666 and quote ‘Yorkshire Post’. Sky customers only. For full terms and conditions go to www.racinguk.com/yorkshire-post