The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel
Monday 8 June 2015 15:56, UK
In the build-up to Royal Ascot and in recognition of the late Sir Henry Cecil, Channel 4 will broadcast a one-hour documentary entitled The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel.
Broadcast on Saturday June 13 at 7pm, this documentary tells the story of how Frankel became the ultimate champion racehorse and transformed the last years of charismatic trainer Sir Henry Cecil.
Dee Deacon, Lady Jane Cecil, wife of the late Sir Henry Cecil and his youngest son, Jake, who recalls his father’s greatest attributes.
Steve Lyle, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Sport, said: “This documentary is a wonderful addition to our vast Royal Ascot broadcast and launches what is set to be a tremendous week of top class sport on Channel 4.
"The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel is also be available to view online and through our VOD service.”
During the programme, Lady Cecil recalls: "Frankel was an intelligent and exuberant horse. He had a magnificent action, with that extraordinary stride that made him stand out. Henry worked with him, along with his work-rider, Shane Fetherstonhaugh, to channel that enthusiasm in the best possible way.
"He learned to settle beautifully in his races. He was definitely a dominant male and, along with his three-parts brother Bullet Train, enjoyed leading the string out onto the heath every morning.
"It was fabulous for all of us to have such a charismatic and talented horse in the stable."
Other contributors include Guardian racing correspondent Chris Cook, Lord Grimthorpe and Dr Charles Crawley who retells Sir Henry’s resilient approach to metastatic cancer.
