FRANKEL NAMED WORLD CHAMPION

Frankel named 2011 world champion racehorse after topping World Thoroughbred Rankings

The sight of the Henry Cecil-trained colt storming to victory in the prestigious Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in July 2011 was one of the enduring images from last year’s racing calendar that will live long in the memories of all those present. Before the race, jockey Tom Queally recognised the sense of anticipation: “There was enormous hype in the lead-up,” however Frankel duly ran the perfect race and Queally said afterwards: “It was fantastic to live up to all those expectations and deliver a good win.” Five-time Group One winner Canford Cliffs, who was beaten into second place by five lengths, received a mark of 127 and finished equal fifth on the rankings.

Undefeated

Still unbeaten after nine races, four-year-old Frankel was awarded a fantastic rating of 136 – a mark also achieved by Sea the Stars in 2009. The last time a horse secured a higher mark was back in 1997 when Peintre Celebre reached 137.

Changes in the way horses are now graded (the ratings have become a little compressed in recent years) mean that Frankel’s mark is arguably worth considerably more, which is a remarkable achievement for this much-loved and hugely successful racehorse. 

WTR TOP 5 OVERALL

1.         Frankel (GB) 136
2.         Black Caviar (Aus) 132
3=        Cirrus Des Aigles (Fra) 128
            Danedream (Ger)
5=        Canford Cliffs (GB) 127
            Rewilding (GB)