Image Source: Freepik
Frankel is a name that resonates with racing fans and breeders alike, as his impact on the thoroughbred world extends far beyond his own racing career. This legendary racehorse, undefeated in 14 starts, has not only earned a place in history for his on-track dominance but has also proven to be an exceptional sire, producing some of the most exciting young horses in the sport today.
The Early Years of Frankel:
Frankel’s journey to stardom began before he ever set foot on a racetrack. He was homebred by Juddmonte Farms, the prestigious breeding operation owned by the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah Al Saud. Frankel’s dam, Kind, was a mare with a pedigree rich in racing excellence, and her foal, Frankel, would prove to be the culmination of her remarkable bloodline. Frankel’s sire, the legendary Galileo, was a European champion racehorse and a dominant sire whose influence on the breeding world cannot be overstated. His legacy as a stallion continues to be felt, particularly through Frankel and his full-brother Noble Mission.
Frankel was never sold as a yearling, a common fate for many top-class horses, because he was a homebred. This unique circumstance meant that his value wasn’t determined at an auction, but rather by his own performance on the track. From the very beginning, Frankel was destined for greatness.
A Racing Career Like No Other:
Trained by Sir Henry Cecil, one of the most revered trainers in racing history, Frankel was a phenom on the track. His undefeated career, spanning from 2010 to 2012, included victories in some of the most prestigious races in the world, including the 2000 Guineas, the Queen Anne Stakes, and the Champion Stakes. His extraordinary ability to win with apparent ease, often pulling away from his rivals in the final furlongs, left fans and experts alike in awe.
Frankel’s career earned him numerous accolades, including the title of World’s Best Racehorse for three consecutive years (2011–2013). He retired as one of the most dominant racehorses of the modern era, with a perfect record that remains unbroken.
Frankel’s Transition to Stud:
After retiring from racing, Frankel began a new chapter at stud at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket, England, where he quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after stallions in the world. His stud fee, which started at £125,000 in 2013, has risen steadily over the years, reflecting his growing reputation as a sire. As of 2024, Frankel’s stud fee stands at an exceptional £350,000, a testament to the continued demand for his progeny.
Since his first crop of foals hit the racetrack in 2016, Frankel has produced a remarkable number of high-quality offspring. Many of his progeny have gone on to achieve great success in Group 1 races across the globe, making Frankel one of the most important and influential sires of his generation.
Frankel’s Legacy as a Sire:
Frankel’s progeny have inherited his exceptional talent, and several have become stars in their own right. His top-earning offspring include Cracksman, who won eight of his 11 races and earned over £2.7 million in prize money, and Mozu Ascot, who won three times in Japan and accumulated earnings of £2.56 million. Another standout is Soul Stirring, a multiple Group 1 winner in Japan who earned £1.85 million in her career.
Frankel’s influence extends beyond the racetrack, as his progeny are consistently sought after by breeders and owners around the world. Yearlings by Frankel regularly fetch millions at sales, underscoring his standing as one of the most valuable and coveted sires in the industry.
One of the most exciting recent success stories involving a Frankel offspring came in 2021, when Alpinista, a filly bred by Kirsten Rausing and trained by Sir Mark Prescott, won the Listed Daisy Warwick Stakes at Goodwood. This marked her second stakes win, and she had already made a name for herself with a second-place finish in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks the previous year. Alpinista’s victory is just one example of Frankel’s enduring influence in the breeding world, as his offspring continue to showcase his incredible speed, stamina, and temperament on the racetrack.
The Enduring Legacy of Frankel:
Frankel’s story is one of unparalleled success, both on and off the racetrack. His achievements as a racehorse were extraordinary, and his legacy as a sire is shaping the future of thoroughbred racing. From his own remarkable performances to the triumphs of his offspring, Frankel has cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
As he continues to produce top-level performers, Frankel’s name will remain synonymous with excellence in thoroughbred racing for generations to come. His story is a testament to the power of breeding, training, and dedication—and to the lasting impact one horse can have on the world of horse racing.
Photo: Freepik (doesn’t depict Frankel)
