British · Ireland · Born 11 February 2008British Thoroughbred racehorse widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, retiring unbeaten after 14 consecutive victories.
Born on February 11, 2008, this bay colt was bred by Prince Khalid Abdullah at his Juddmonte Farms and named after American trainer Bobby Frankel. Sired by Galileo out of Kind, Frankel was trained by Sir Henry Cecil at Warren Place in Newmarket. His early development showed exceptional promise, and he made his racecourse debut as a two-year-old in August 2010 at Newmarket, winning convincingly under jockey Tom Queally. Frankel's racing career spanned three seasons from 2010 to 2012, during which he remained unbeaten across 14 starts. His two-year-old campaign included victories in the Royal Lodge Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes, establishing him as a leading contender for Classic honors. As a three-year-old, he claimed the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before winning the St. James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. His four-year-old season saw continued dominance with victories in prestigious Group 1 races including the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The defining moment of Frankel's career came in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he drew fifteen lengths clear of his rivals in what many consider the greatest individual performance in flat racing history. His exceptional ability earned him a Timeform rating of 147, the highest ever awarded to a racehorse, surpassing previous champions Sea Bird and Brigadier Gerard. Throughout his career, he was ridden primarily by Tom Queally under the guidance of Sir Henry Cecil. Following his retirement in October 2012, Frankel entered stud at Banstead Manor Stud in Suffolk, commanding one of the highest covering fees in the breeding industry. His progeny have achieved considerable success on racetracks worldwide, with multiple Group winners cementing his reputation as a stallion. Frankel's impact on thoroughbred racing extends beyond his unbeaten record, as he revitalized interest in the sport and demonstrated the enduring appeal of exceptional equine athletes. He remains one of the most celebrated racehorses in modern turf history.
Unbeaten champion racehorse with highest ever Timeform rating
How They Played
Explosive acceleration and sustained speed over middle distances
Lasting Impact
Greatest racehorse of modern era, revolutionized flat racing
Career Honours
- Unbeaten in 14 races
- 2,000 Guineas
- Champion Stakes 2x
- Highest Timeform rating: 147
British Athletes