Champion trainer Sir Henry Cecil has lost his long battle with cancer.
His death at the age of 70 was announced on his website on Tuesday.
Responsible for 25 British Classic winners and crowned champion trainer 10 times, Cecil was also the leading handler at Royal Ascot by a long way with a record 75 successes.
But for all the great horses to pass through his care, the best was saved until last as Frankel demolished everything put in his path.
Knighted by the Queen in 2011, Sir Henry’s later years were compromised by stomach cancer but were illuminated by the great Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.
The statement on his website said: “It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.
“Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil.
Cecil, who had been battling stomach cancer, married his one-time secretary Jane McKeown in 2008.
He is survived by two children from his first marriage, Katie and Noel, and a son Jake from his second marriage.
From an aristocratic background, Cecil first took out a training licence in 1969.
He had his first British Classic win with Bolkonski in the 1975 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, following up in the same race a year later with Wollow.
Both horses were ridden by Frankie Dettori’s father, Gianfranco.
Cecil excelled with fillies and trained six 1000 Guineas winners and eight Oaks winners, his last being Light Shift in 2007.
Four Derby winners – Slip Anchor, Reference Point, Commander In Chief and Oath – adorn his record, as do four St Leger triumphs.
Among his Leger winners was Oh So Sharp, who completed the fillies’ Triple Crown of 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Leger under Steve Cauthen, with whom Cecil enjoyed a spectacular association.
