Frankel returns to Banstead Manor

Frankel returns to the place where he was born. Image courtesy of Trevor Jones.

Frankel has left Sir Henry Cecil’s yard, from where he conquered the turf to prove himself perhaps the best horse of all time in his unbeaten 14 race career, to return to the place where he was born.

The journey was just a few miles from Warren Place to Banstead Manor Stud, the HQ of Juddmonte Farms, the breeding operation of Frankel’s owner, Prince Khalid Abdulla.

It was there that Frankel was born on 11 February 2008 and it there now that he will commence his new career as a stallion.

Already some of the world’s best fillies and mares are scheduled to be covered by the mighty Frankel, the winner of no less than nine QIPCO British Champions Series races over the last two years.

They include Australian sprinting sensation, Black Caviar, who is also unbeaten, and the brilliant German filly, Danedream.

Like Frankel, they both won QIPCO British Champions Series races this year, Black Caviar taking the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and Danedream the Betfair King George at Ascot in July.

Since Frankel’s brilliant QIPCO Champion Stakes victory at Ascot on 20 October, the awesome colt has been slowly would down in preparation for his move to Banstead Manor.

It was a day of sadness at the yard to see him leave, but the memories of his sensational career will linger long in the memory and in a couple of years Sir Henry’s stable can be sure of one thing – they will be receiving some of the first Frankel yearlings ready to unleash on the racecourse with hopes high that his brilliant physique and athleticism will be passed on to his progeny.

One of the great things that Frankel has done is to help Sir Henry in his battle with cancer, as the trainer acknowledges:

"He has given me so much strength this season when I have had health problems.

"My feeling was that I had to be there for him at home and on the racecourse, only missing the Sussex Stakes because of treatment.

"There are a lot of people in the yard who have played their part with Frankel and I really appreciate everyone’s efforts.

"I want to thank my wife (Jane) for helping me through, what I have to admit, has been a difficult year in more ways than one.

"Without her by my side, I am certain that I would not have been able to do it.

"Jane and I are very fortunate that Banstead Manor is only 10 minutes away from us so we can continue our friendship with Frankel."