Henry Cecil: Fillies, Frankel, Royal Ascot and Royal recognition

Sir Henry Cecil with Frankel

Sir Henry Cecil, 10-time champion trainer, has died at the age of 70. Responsible for 25 British Classic winners, Sir Henry was described as "the greatest trainer of all time" by racing broadcaster Derek Thompson

Henry Cecil first gained a trainer's licence in 1969 after assisting his stepfather - who kept horses for the Queen - and became Champion Trainer just seven years later, an achievement he was to repeat in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1993

In 1985 runaway winner Slip Anchor took the Derby, the first of four Derby wins for Cecil. On board that day was American Steve Cauthen, a jockey who enjoyed a productive partnership with the Cecil stables and the first rider to complete the Kentucky Derby-Derby double

Based out of Warren Place in Newmarket, Henry Cecil's yard produced effectively a Who's Who of race winners: Ardross, Bosra Sham, Commander In Chief, Diminuendo, Love Divine, Oath, Oh So Sharp, Reference Point and Wince to name but a few

Sir Henry remains the leading handler at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes. "It is very sad to hear of the loss of Sir Henry Cecil this morning," said Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty The Queen's representative. "He has been an intrinsic part of racing and Royal Ascot for the whole of his career"

In the Oaks at Epsom on 1 June 2007, 13/2 fourth choice Light Shift took the lead a quarter of a mile from the finish and held out to grant Cecil his eighth win in the race and his first Classic success for seven years. She was to be his last success at Epsom

At 68 years old Henry Cecil became Sir Henry when he was knighted by Her Majesty in June 2011. "Fantastic. That's so well deserved," said Cecil's stable jockey Tom Queally at the time. "His understanding of horses is second to none. He trains with his eye"

But four years prior to receiving his knighthood Cecil disclosed he was fighting stomach cancer, a disease that was to plague him for the rest of his life. His appearances at race meetings became more infrequent as bouts of chemotherapy took their toll

However, the best was yet to come for Sir Henry, as the brilliant Frankel emerged onto the scene, sprinting to 14 straight wins and in the process establishing himself as officially the highest-ever rated racehorse on the Flat

"He is the best I have ever had, the best I have ever seen. I would be very surprised if there was ever a better horse," said Sir Henry of his beloved Frankel. "He's like me - a late developer. To train him has been a great honour"

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