Exciting highlights from York's Ebor Festival: Frankel's triumph, Queen's coronation, and a nail-biting photo-finish conclude the eventful spectacle
Horse Racing History: The Unforgettable Treble of Sergeant Cecil
In the world of horse racing, few achievements are as rare and impressive as the hat-trick of winning the Ebor, Northumberland Plate, and Cesarewitch in the same season. The most notable horse to have achieved this feat is Sergeant Cecil, who made history in 2005 under the guidance of trainer Rod Millman and jockey Alan Munro[1].
Sergeant Cecil, a stalwart in the racing world, ended his career with a total of 10 wins and earnings exceeding £800,000. His most memorable season was in 2005 when he became the first horse to win the Northumberland Plate, Ebor, and Cesarewitch in the same year[1].
The Ebor race, held at York Racecourse, saw Sergeant Cecil triumph by a length from Carte Diamond. His victory was no fluke, as he was sent off as an 11-1 chance in the race[1].
Meanwhile, in the 2017 Nunthorpe Stakes, two remarkable equines battled it out in the final furlong. Marsha and Lady Aurelia, both contenders, fought tooth and nail for the lead. Marsha, the 8-1 joint-third favourite, managed to edge out Lady Aurelia in a photo-finish, securing her victory[1].
Another horse that has left an indelible mark on the Nunthorpe Stakes is Battaash. In 2019, Battaash lowered the course record set by Dayjur by 0.26 seconds, winning the race in a spectacular display of speed and skill. Interestingly, Battaash had been below par in two previous runs in the Nunthorpe Stakes before his 2019 win[1].
Battaash was sent off as the 7-4 second favourite for the 2019 Nunthorpe Stakes, a testament to his growing reputation as a formidable competitor[1]. His victory in the 2019 Nunthorpe Stakes marked his 13th and final career win.
Frankel, a horse of legendary status, also left his mark on the racing world. He had already won all 12 of his previous races, including eight at Group 1 level, before making his York debut in the 2012 Juddmonte International[1]. Frankel's 2012 Juddmonte International win produced a joint-career-best Racing Post Rating of 143.
In the same race, Frankel was sent off as the 1-10 favourite, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his performance[1]. Despite the pressure, Frankel delivered a stellar performance, further cementing his place in racing history.
These horses, each with their own unique stories, have left a lasting impact on the racing world. Their achievements serve as a testament to the thrill, excitement, and unpredictability that horse racing offers.
[1] Source: British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Records and Racing Post Archive.
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