March 6th, 2010 | 
Author: Tributes have been paid to racehorse Frankel's trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, at a memorial service…
Henry Cecil
Without doubt Henry Cecil is a trainer of champions.
The winner of 35 classic races in the United Kingdom and abroad, including the 1000 Guineas on (6) occasions, 2000 Guineas (2), Derby (4), Oaks (8) & St. Leger (4) it could be argued that there is little left to achieve. To wonder at names of equine stars such as Wollow, Bosra Sham, Reference Point, Diminuendo & Michelozzo, which read like a wish list of fairytale proportions only to find that in reality the end of the rainbow, led to the stables of Warren Place. In 1985 Cecil’s talents were seen to their greatest when Oh So Sharp completed the fillies’ Triple Crown.
From the highs of the 90s Cecil’s stable went through a well-publicised decline but much has change in the last few years and the phoenix has most definitely risen from the flames.
Over the past few couple of seasons it is apparent that Cecil has been increasing not only the numbers of two-year-olds in his care but the quality of his juveniles. The Horses In Training 2009 publication details that he has over 50 two-year-olds and with owners such as K. Abdullah, Bloomsbury Stud & Niarchos Family and a wealth of well-bred horses. Who is to say this season will not be the one to deliver another class act.
From reviewing Cecil’s statistics it isn’t surprising to note that his general standard of two-year-old must be respected. His first runners are most likely to be seen from June onwards although he does have a debutant or two in May. It is interesting that about 40% of his juveniles are priced 13/2 & less on their first racecourse appearance such is his reputation. However, Cecil isn’t the most likely of trainers to win on debut and many of his juveniles are poor value in this respect. His juveniles are more likely to win on their second start and reason why he features fair win & place statistics. Again, such is his standing that the majority of winners will be priced at shorter rather than longer odds. It is always worth noting the juveniles in receipt of group entries, as they are generally the most capable in his yard.
There seems little doubt that Cecil will endeavour to find his next Classic horse. This talented, modest man has and will continue to smile through times of rain and shine because he knows only too well that when that rainbow appears it will probably span from Doncaster, Epsom or Newmarket to a stable named Warren Place.
