Few of us will get the chance to go out at the top, not least because few of us will ever reach the top. We will simply bumble along in mediocrity, decline, and then stop.
The fact that Sir Henry Cecil died not only when he was at the top of his profession but also when he had just seen Frankel, the best racehorse of a generation, successfully into retirement after an unbeaten career afforded the end of his life a dignity and completeness that his achievements deserved.
Sir Henry was often viewed as a dandy, immaculately turned out at the racecourse, a man of refinement. But there must have been steel core to the man who had to endure personal tragedy and severe health problems but still had the fire to haul his professional career back from the deepest depths up to the glorious heights.
The sadness came from seeing Sir Henry’s physical decline mirrored against the imposing strength of Frankel as the two stood side-by-side in the winner’s enclosure last season.
Brough Scott’s recent biography of the 10-time champion trainer is sitting on my table waiting to be read. With Sir Henry’s passing it will be read with a greater sense of poignancy and emotion now.
It will be a Royal Ascot tinged with sadness next week.
Sir Henry Cecil:
Training career: 1969 – 2013
Champion trainer 10 times
75 Royal Ascot winners
4 Derby wins, 8 Oaks wins
Trainer of Frankel, 14 races unbeaten, including 2000 Guineas, St James’ Palace Stakes, Champion Stakes
