Tag Archives: khalid

Frankel goes to stud at Banstead Manor Farm

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What a stud! 125k-a-time Frankel settles into his new home as he prepares for his career change

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UPDATED:

17:18 GMT, 22 November 2012

It is not often a horse commands a stud fee of 125,000 so Banstead Manor Farm have every right to show off their prize possession.

Unbeaten Frankel was paraded round the grounds before he goes to work.

Rated as the greatest horse in the world, Frankel was expected to stand for around 100,000 after retiring on the back of a 14-race unbeaten career — but his fee was announced last week as 125,000.

A real stud: Unbeaten racehorse Frankel in his new home at Banstead Stud in Newmarket

A real stud: Unbeaten racehorse Frankel in his new home at Banstead Stud in Newmarket

He will be based in Newmarket at owner Khalid Abdullah’s Banstead Manor Farm, where he is pictured in these photos.

Juddmonte Farms general manager Philip Mitchell said: ‘We believe our stallion roster is the best we have been able to offer breeders – and we are very excited with both of our new arrivals.

‘The fee for Frankel reflects his merits as being perhaps the greatest racehorse we have ever witnessed. He is by Galileo, who is now recognised as the best sire in the world, and out of Kind, a winner of six races (from five to seven furlongs) and herself a daughter of one of the most influential stallions in the history of thoroughbred breeding, Danehill.

Expensive business: Frankel will command a stud fee of 125,000

Expensive business: Frankel will command a stud fee of 125,000

Getting used to new surroundings: Frankel settled in his new home

Getting used to new surroundings: Frankel settled in his new home

‘Bated Breath (8,000) will give breeders the opportunity to use a most genuine sprinter who was placed second in four Group One races. Ironically, his father Dansili started his career at the same fee and he also just failed to win a Group One race.’

Dansili and Oasis Dream, Juddmonte’s two previous standard bearers, will stand for 80,000.

Mitchell added: ‘We have made minor adjustments to the fees of our two major stalwarts Dansili and Oasis Dream as we believe both of these world-class sires to be equally successful.’

Frankel and Black Caviar could breed

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The ultimate love story Frankel's first date could be with unbeaten Australian mare Black Caviar

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UPDATED:

17:00 GMT, 23 October 2012

It would be a match made in heaven. Two of the greatest race horses in the sport could be put together in an effort to produce future generations of history-making stallions and mares.

Frankel has been shortlisted as a possible first date for Australia's unbeaten mare Black Caviar.

The two highest-rated horses in the
world last season could meet in the breeding sheds once time is called
on the racing career of the Peter Moody-trained six-year-old.

Wonder horse: Frankel signed off with an unblemished 14-win record

Wonder horse: Frankel signed off with an unblemished 14-win record

Frankel signed off at Ascot on Saturday with an unblemished 14-win record, whereas Black Caviar is unbeaten in 22 starts.

Frankel will now be retired to stud at Newmarket for a second career as a stallion during which he is expected to earn more than 100 million for his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, a member of the Saudi Arabian ruling family.

'We would consider going to Frankel because he is clearly the best distance horse in the world,' Black Caviar's co-owner, Neil Werrett.

'There would have to be a few conditions that would have to be worked out to make it happen, but the two best horses in the world together – that would be something.

'I might be a little biased, but I would say he is the second best horse I have ever seen.'

Happy ending Black Caviar is an unbeaten mare, and could be paired with superhorse Frankel

Happy ending Black Caviar is an unbeaten mare, and could be paired with superhorse Frankel

Unbeaten Australian mare Black Caviar lined up for 100m wonder horse Frankel

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Unbeaten Australian mare Black Caviar lined up for 100m wonder horse Frankel

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UPDATED:

13:52 GMT, 23 October 2012

Frankel has been shortlisted as a possible first date for Australia's unbeaten mare Black Caviar.

The two highest-rated horses in the
world last season could meet in the breeding sheds once time is called
on the racing career of the Peter Moody-trained six-year-old.

Wonder horse: Frankel signed off with an unblemished 14-win record

Wonder horse: Frankel signed off with an unblemished 14-win record

Frankel signed off at Ascot on Saturday with an unblemished 14-win record, whereas Black Caviar is unbeaten in 22 starts.

Frankel will now be retired to stud at Newmarket for a second career as a stallion during which he is expected to earn more than 100 million for his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, a member of the Saudi Arabian ruling family.

'We would consider going to Frankel because he is clearly the best distance horse in the world,' Black Caviar's co-owner, Neil Werrett.

'There would have to be a few conditions that would have to be worked out to make it happen, but the two best horses in the world together – that would be something.

'I might be a little biased, but I would say he is the second best horse I have ever seen.'

Wigan invite Oman striker Eid Al Farsi on one-week trial

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Wigan invite Oman striker Eid Al Farsi to have one-week trial at DW Stadium

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UPDATED:

13:43 GMT, 2 October 2012

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will run the rule over Oman international Eid Al Farsi on a one-week trial at the DW Stadium.

The 25-year-old striker impressed Latics chiefs when he scored the country's only goal in their 4-1 defeat to Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage last month.

Man in the middle: Oman striker Eid Al Farsi (C) will have a one-week trial at Wigan

Man in the middle: Oman striker Eid Al Farsi (C) will have a one-week trial at Wigan

Al Farsi will travel to the North-West after Oman's World Cup qualifier against Jordan on October 16, where he will link up with compatriot goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

'We have received an official letter from Wigan to send Eid Al Farsi for a week so that they could evaluate his performance and then decide if they want to hire him or not,' Oman Football Association chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi told the Times of Oman.

'It’s too early to predict (if he will be successful) that but it is great news for Oman Football.

'We have seen in the past some players were also called for trials by various clubs but I hope Eid could make an impression. I hope he succeeds in it.'

Frankel wins Juddmonte International Stakes

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Fabulous Frankel wins again as Cecil's superstar cruises home in Juddmonte

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UPDATED:

15:01 GMT, 22 August 2012

Frankel stretched his perfect record to 13 when treating his legion of supporters to another breathtaking performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

The world's best racehorse took the step up from a mile to 10 and a half furlongs in his stride as he justified highly-restrictive odds of 1-10 without being asked a serious question.

Leading two furlongs out in the hands of Tom Queally, the Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt pulled away to score with consummate ease to lift this Group One prize, sponsored by his owner Khalid Abdullah.

Dream team: Frankel and Tom Queally were easy winners at York

Dream team: Frankel and Tom Queally were easy winners at York

Queally said: 'I suspected they'd go a good gallop, but we had our plan in place.

'It panned out nicely – he won ever so well. It's a fantastic training performance.'

The running was made by Robin Hood and Windsor Palace, the two pacemakers for the Aidan O'Brien-trained St Nicholas Abbey.

They set out to try to find any chinks in the Frankel armour, but it was a lost cause.

Frankel, taking his career earnings to over 2million, was held up in seventh place in the early stages before making stealthy progress to stalk St Nicholas Abbey early in the straight.

He sauntered into the lead with the minimum of fuss and swept into a clear lead within a heartbeat.

Frankel's winning margin was seven lengths, but it could have been much further.

Farhh pipped St Nicholas Abbey by a nose in a hard-fought race for second place.

Frankel, who has been ridden in all of his races by Queally, is now just one short of 10 Group One victories.

His first success at the highest level came over seven furlongs in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in what was his fourth and final start as a two-year-old.

After winning the Group Three Greenham Stakes on his seasonal reappearance as a three-year-old, the son of Galileo swept all before him over a mile.

Successful in the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 2011, it looked for a short while that he might not run this year and be retired.

However, he overcame an injury scare in the spring – returning with victory in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May – and has been better than ever this summer.

He more than doubled his five-length margin in the Lockinge when taking the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot by 11 lengths from old foe Excelebration.

Frankel then repeated last summer's win in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood earlier in the month, before cementing his place in turf history with another scintillating display on the Knavesmire.

Euros 2012: Holland squad announced – Robin van Persie and Rafael van der Vaart included

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Van Persie, Van der Vaart and Kuyt all named in provisional Holland Euros squad

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 7 May 2012

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has named a preliminary squad of 35 ahead of next month's European Championships.

Van Marwijk had initially also called up PSV Eindhoven's Erik Pieters but the defender later pulled out because tests showed he would not recover from a foot injury in time.

Pieters has played 15 internationals since making his debut in 2010 and was considered Van Marwijk's first choice at left-back.

Van Marwijk said that Pieters' absence was bad news for his team's preparations 'but it is particularly bitter news for Erik'.

Ibrahim Afellay has been called up despite his season with Barcelona having been severely disrupted by a knee injury.

Van Marwijk said: “We still have the Dutch play-offs, foreign leagues and cup finals as well as the final of the Champions League.

'Furthermore, there are players coming back from injuries.

'But it is a great opportunity to see these players close up.'

Going Dutch: Van Persie and Van der Vaart have both been given the nod

Going Dutch: Van Persie and Van der Vaart have both been given the nod

Going Dutch: Van Persie and Van der Vaart have both been given the nod

In the mix: Kuyt has also been named in the 36-man Holland squad

In the mix: Kuyt has also been named in the 36-man Holland squad

Holland provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Erwin Mulder (Feyenoord), Jasper Cillissen (Ajax Amsterdam)

Defenders: Vurnon Anita (Ajax Amsterdam), Khalid Boulahrouz (VFB Stuttgart), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), John Heitinga (Everton), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia)
Joris Mathijsen (Malaga), Nick Viergever (AZ Alkmaar), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax Amsterdam), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Barcelona), Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Adam Maher (AZ Alkmaar), Stijn Schaars (Sporting), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Ola John (Twente Enschede), Luuk de Jong (Twente Enschede), Siem de Jong (Ajax Amsterdam), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (PSV Eindhoven), Luciano Narsingh (Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Frankel gallops at Newmarket

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Frankel on course for Lockinge after racecourse gallop at Newmarket

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UPDATED:

20:03 GMT, 5 May 2012

Frankel, the world's highest-rated thoroughbred, confirmed his well-being with a racecourse gallop at Newmarket on Saturday.

Sir Henry Cecil colt's future had been in jeopardy after he suffered a leg injury on April 11, but he received the all-clear to race on following a positive scan a week later.

The unbeaten four-year-old this weekend moved up the gears in his preperation for the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19 with a most positive piece of work under Tom Queally.

In fine shape: Frankel enjoyed a racecourse gallop at Newmarket

In fine shape: Frankel enjoyed a racecourse gallop at Newmarket

Frankel, owned by Khalid Abdullah, was put through his paces up the Rowley Mile alongside regular lead-horse Bullet Train and Jet Away.

The son of Galileo took a keen hold for Queally and soon burst clear of his stable companions in his customary exuberant fashion, stretching clear in tremendous style.

Frankel was returning to the scene of one of his finest days on a racecourse when he turned in a simply breathtaking performance in last season's 2000 Guineas.

Cecil's inmate went on to claim the St James's Palace Stakes, the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes during an unforgettable campaign which elevated him to the summit of the world thoroughbred rankings.

Cecil said: 'He really enjoyed
himself and was very relaxed. Going down to the start he was switched
off and after the work he had a little bit of a blow – you can't be
anything but pleased.

'He's grown a bit, he's stronger and
he's getting much more sensible. That was the worry, but now he is
settling and maybe there will be more improvement to come.

Report: Frankel with jockey Tom Queally and trainer Henry Cecil (second right)

Report: Frankel with jockey Tom Queally and trainer Henry Cecil (second right)

'I think everything looks good for the Lockinge, before which he will need another two to three bits of work, but at the moment everything is fine.

'If the ground is soft (at Newbury) I don't think that will worry him at all, and we know he gets a mile really well.'

Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: 'That's a pleasing start to the process, and I hope it will do him a lot of good. He enjoyed it and strode out well.

'He was a little bit keen early on, but then got into his rhythm and showed us that beautiful flowing action.

'The main idea is to get him to Newbury, we are heading that way. He only missed a week and he is catching up nicely. You would have to be very pleased after that.'

Queally said: 'He seems in very good order and it was a nice piece of work.

'It was just a stepping stone to get him to Newbury, you have to remember he is much better than the two horses that went with him, but he did it very nicely.'