Frankel TV documentary to be aired next year
Frankel fans are in for a treat, as a new feature documentary on the unbeaten racing star is to be aired next year.
Channel 4 is working on a new programme that focuses on the story between Frankel and his trainer, Sir Henry Cecil.
The show — which has a working title of “Frankel and Henry Cecil: The story of the world’s greatest racehorse” — will be broadcast in the build up to Royal Ascot 2015.
Channel 4 says the documentary will “reflect the back-from-the-brink story of Sir Henry’s training career and Frankel — the world’s highest rated racehorse”.
The channel also promises “unrivalled access to Frankel, Warren Place and key members of the racing community.”
Frankel — who retired in 2012 after being unbeaten in 14 races — now stands at his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket. His first progeny are now being sold.
Throughout his racing career he delighted fans and drew in massive crowds.
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“Frankel’s sublime racing career and his blossoming stud career will be the subject of an exciting insight. This will give his legion of fans something to savour,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdulllah’s racing manager.
The documentary is to be produced by Oxford Scientific Films, creators of the programme How to win the Grand National.
“This is one of those projects that is just a joy to work on,” said David Glover, Channel 4’s head of specialist factual. “I loved working on with Oxford Scientific Films on How to Win the Grand National. This will be a similar passion project for all of us. The story is extraordinary — our aim is do it justice.”
Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s commissioning editor for sport, added: “This documentary marks our sixth dedicated horseracing commission within a three year period and reinforces our tireless commitment to the sport. I would like to thank Juddmonte for their cooperation on this project. – the enviable accessibility will ensure that this documentary will be must-see-television.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.