Unbeaten British colt Frankel has been named Cartier Horse Of The Year after taking flat racing by storm in a stellar 2011.
Former Bart Cummings-trained galloper So You Think, now under Coolmore’s Aidan O’Brien, was among those short listed for the major prize announced on Tuesday.
Frankel extended his flawless record to nine races by claiming five wins this year, including a mesmeric display in the 2,000 Guineas in which he romped home by six lengths to capture the British classic.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe champion Danedream of Germany and French pair Cirrus Des Aigles and Goldikova – the 2010 winner – were also on the short list for the coveted award given to the leading Europe-based horse of 2011.
Frankel, who is the world’s top-ranked horse, was also named best three-year-old colt.
After proving himself over a mile this year, Frankel – named after legendary American trainer Bobby Frankel – is likely to step up in distance to 10 furlongs (2000m) for 2012 and could finish the year competing in the Breeders’ Cup.
Danedream, who won the Arc at Longchamp last month in record time, had to be content with winning the Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly category.
AP AAP TURF
