Frankel lined up for what had been billed as his greatest challenge yet in the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday. Although four horses went to post, such was the perceived superiority of the front two in the betting that the race had been labelled ‘the duel on the downs’. The two big players were Frankel and Canford Cliffs.
Frankel, the Young Pretender
Frankel had been regarded as a potential superstar since his two-year-old days, and in a jaw-dropping 2000 Guineas performance which saw him annihilate a promising field of youngsters by six lengths, he seemed to be fulfilling all this early promise. However his next outing raised some eyebrows. Running in the St James’ Palace stakes at Ascot, Frankel appeared to be coming back to the field quickly in the last 100 yards of the contest, and although he won the race, the close proximity of 20/1 rival Zoffany made the performance comparatively underwhelming. Criticism of the race tactics and the ride given by regular jockey Tom Queally abounded. Some wondered if Frankel’s 2000 guineas run was a one-off he would never replicate, and if the praise so lavishly bestowed on the horse after that race had been premature. In contrast, connections never showed any signs of losing faith in their horse. Frankel was the only three-year-old in the Sussex Stakes, receiving a weight allowance for taking on older rivals. He lined up still unbeaten, winner of all his seven starts, including three Group One races.
Canford Cliffs, the Proven Champion
Frankel’s market rival was the formidable four-year-old, Canford Cliffs. This strong bay colt could not only boast more experience than his junior opponent, with ten races under his belt, but this experience included a victorious run in this very race last year, so he had excellent course and distance form. He was the winner of five Group One races in a row and at Ascot had been much more impressive than Frankel when appearing to cruise to a victory over the incredible mare Goldikova. Canford Cliffs was seeking to join the great Mill Reef and Rock of Gibraltar by winning his sixth Group One in sequence. Despite having to give weight away, he was fancied by many to be the horse that would end Frankel’s unbeaten run.
The Preliminaries
Frankel looked as calm as the older horses in the parade ring although commentators professed themselves unimpressed with his appearance, largely due to sweating between the back legs, often a negative sign, but they acknowledged that this had also been in evidence in his previous appearances without affecting his performance. Canford Cliffs was regarded as the pick of the paddock. All the horses went to post well, and loaded with little fuss.
The Race
The field jumped out to a level break, but no one wanted to make the running and there were a few moments of indecision as they lingered alongside each other. All the horses displayed their experience, Frankel showing himself to be very mature for his age, by allowing themselves to be held by their jockeys and accepting restraint with little protest. With few options presenting themselves, Tom Queally elected to settle Frankel in front and went to the rail, and jockey Richard Hughes looked to have gained the perfect spot with Canford Cliffs, sitting just behind his main rival. Frankel cruised through the race in the lead, the pace steadily winding up, the horse moving fluently with an impressive long stride throughout. The writing was on the wall long before the finish, as clear distress signals were being thrown out by Richard Hughes when they passed the furlong pole. By this time, Queally had asked his mount to go and win his race, and the colt responded, quickening up in devastating fashion. Canford Cliffs, toiling his wake, hung badly over to the left and could only finish five lengths adrift, a decisively beaten horse. Neither of the other runners were ever in contention.
Result: 1st Frankel, 8/13 Fav, 2nd Canford Cliffs, 7/4 (5 lengths), 3rd Rio De La Plata, 22/1 (2½ lengths), 4th Rajsaman, 22/1 (2½ lengths)
Aftermath
The crowd at Goodwood showed their appreciation for the two warriors by welcoming both back with warm applause. Trainer Henry Cecil admitted he had thought the horse could win very easily and said Frankel was probably the best horse he had ever seen. He confirmed the horse was likely to have only one more run this year, but could well stay in training next season. Queally was profuse with praise for his partner, stating; “He was amazing.... he’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on and the best I have ever seen.”
Connections of Canford Cliffs reflected that their charge may not have been at his best, with trainer Richard Hannon commenting “He was beat three out.... he’s never hung across like that before.” Richard Hughes said “I don’t want to make any excuses; Frankel... was the best horse on the day. I just felt my lad didn’t move great, he didn’t really stretch and then he hung badly.”
Across the globe Frankel made headlines, in the US under the words ‘Believe the Hype’ and in Europe labelled ‘Untouchable’. As far afield as Australia sports writers were full of praise, stating; “The amazing three-year-old lived up to the expectations with an explosive win.”
Racing can only hope that the colt stays fit and well for the foreseeable future, as there is surely more to come from this unique animal- now dubbed Frankel, the freak, for his incredible talent.
Sources
Paula Sainthouse - Paula Sainthouse holds qualifications in psychology, public relations, horse management & animal behaviour.
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