News Frankel is likely to finish his career on British Champions Day at Ascot on October 20 has seen the final premier enclosure tickets sell out.
“The Frankel factor has clearly had a big impact on sales over the weekend and we are planning a very special farewell to the world’s greatest racehorse as he bids for the 14th victory in his unbeaten career,” British Champions series chief executive Rod Street said.
Frankel is set to face a new rival at Ascot next month after German star Pastorius was confirmed an intended runner in the Champion Stakes.
Mario Hofer’s three-year-old won the German Derby at Hamburg in early July and tasted further Group One glory with a brilliant eight-length success at Munich later that month.
He was beaten just a length into third by brilliant compatriot Danedream in Sunday’s Grosser Preis Von Baden and Hofer believes his star colt will benefit from coming back in distance.
The trainer admits his charge has little chance of toppling the world’s highest-rated racehorse on Champions Day at Ascot, but is looking forward to the race nonetheless.
“He ran a very good race on Sunday and we are very happy with him,” Hofer said.
“After watching the race, we think 10 furlongs is better for him than a mile and a half and if everything is good, the plan is to bring him for the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
“We know we can’t beat Frankel, I don’t think anybody can beat him, but it will be great just to be in the same race. If we can finish second, third or fourth we’ll be very happy.
“Our horse will stay in training as a four-year-old and hopefully he can still improve.”
