Galileo colt Frankel is best horse of Henry Cecil’s lifetime

Trainer Henry Cecil declared Frankel (3c Galileo-Kind, by Danehill) not just the most outstanding horse he had trained but the best he had ever seen as he galloped five lengths clear to take the G1 Sussex Stakes in one of the highest-class performances ever seen in Goodwood’s long history. Tom Queally always had his mount at the front of the four-runner field and gradually extended his advantage in the home straight to win by five lengths. “He’s the best I’ve ever seen,” said Cecil of the Juddmonte home-bred, who was greeted by three cheers from the large crowd surrounding the winner’s enclosure. “I’ve great respect for Blushing Groom, who was a great miler on his day and Shergar was a brilliant horse and I can’t go back to Tudor Minstrel and the days of match races but he’s the best in my lifetime. I’m just very lucky to train him. “I don’t want to sound facetious but I did think he’d win. We really do think the world of him and I’m not surprised at how he won, although it’s an awful thing to say. “We had two options today, either settle him behind or if there was no pace on then settle him in front, he’s very relaxed through his races. I told Tom to relax as well and this horse has most fantastic turn of foot. When he quickens, he quickens very fast. “He’s growing up all the time and relaxing more. When he hears horses coming behind then he just wants to please. He’s a much better horse now than earlier in the year, he’s still improving. “I was fairly relaxed, my job was done and it was a bit like going to the dentist’s beforehand, just waiting for it to be over. “I think he’ll get a mile and a quarter and whether he has one more run or two we’ll have to see. He is in the G1 Juddmonte International at York and he’s 50/50 to go there and all being well he’ll go to Ascot at the end of the year for either the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes or G1 Champion Stakes. We’ll see what the Prince (Khalid Abdulla) wants to do, it’s his horse - I just train him. “We all need a champion in any sport, the publicity it creates goes through the country, I’m just glad everyone has been able to see a really good horse. Owner Khalid Abdulla added: “I was hearing what Henry was saying about the horse and I thought that he was the best I had had and I followed what he said. I was hoping that he’d win today and it’s nice when it happens. “I haven’t thought further than today for the horse and if Henry wants him next season then he can stay with him.” Frankel continued an incredible year for Galileo, who sired his eighth individual G1 winner of the season when Nathaniel (3c Galileo-Magnificient Style, by Silver Hawk) won the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.