• Glorious Goodwood

Frankel demolishes Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes

Frankel led the Sussex Stakes throughout © PA Photos

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Frankel turned on the style to claim the Sussex Stakes in fantastic fashion at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.

Tipped to become one of the sport's greats, Frankel was majestic in holding off main challenger and defending champion Canford Cliffs, who was completely blown away. The pair had been expected to have a real tussle, but it never materialised due to the class of Frankel.

Tom Queally sent the three-year-old to the front from the start, and Canford Cliffs kept him on a tight leash until two furlongs from home. From that point onwards though, Canford Cliffs was fighting for second as 8/13 Frankel simply tore away to win by a quite incredible five lengths.

Victory means Frankel has now won eight out of eight races, and trainer Sir Henry Cecil suggested he has never witnessed a more impressive horse in his illustrious career. "I did think he could win very easily, but I thought I'd let the horse do the talking. I do respect the second an awful lot," Cecil said.

"I've got to thank the Prince [Khalid Abdullah] and all those involved with him - his work rider and Bullet Train, his three-parts brother, who has led him all year. To lead a horse like that you've got to be pretty good. It's been a marvellous day and he's a very good horse. I think he's the best I've ever seen."

In the day's other big race, the 5/2 backed Chandlery won the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes to avenge the Superlative Stakes loss to Red Duke. July's Newmarket Festival saw Red Duke come out on top of their head-to-head, but on Wednesday it was Chandlery who excelled.

The key was the clear run enjoyed by the Richard Hannon-trained horse, who saw Rockinante into second. Red Duke, ridden by Kieren Fallon, was forced to battle throughout and ended in third.

Winning jockey Richard Hughes commented: "I went a nice even gallop. He went down a bit keen to post and was on his toes. When he jumped off he had a look, so I thought I'd make it and he won't do too much in front. He settled lovely.

"We have lots of different types and this was the best horse for us on the day. He's not all about speed. He'll get a mile."

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