Horse racing legend Sir Henry Cecil dies aged 70

Legendary horse racing trainer Sir Henry Cecil has died at the age of 70, it was announced today.

The ten-time champion trainer, most famous for Frankel - rated by many as the greatest horse of all-time - died earlier this morning, a statement on his website said.

Sir Henry, who was knighted in 2011, had been battling stomach cancer for several years.

The statement read: “It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.”

Sir Henry, who was described as “the greatest trainer of all time” by racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, first took out a training licence in 1969.

His career saw him achieve 25 British Classic winners and become the leading handler at Royal Ascot - which starts next week - with a record 75 successes.

He had his first British Classic win with Bolkonski in the 1975 renewal of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, and repeated the feat the following year with Wollow.

Both horses were ridden by Frankie Dettori’s father, Gianfranco.

He trained six 1,000 Guineas winners and eight Oaks champions, his last Epsom filly being Light Shift in 2007.

Slip Anchor, Reference Point, Commander In Chief and Oath were his four Derby winners, while he also had four St Leger triumphs, including Oh So Sharp.

But his greatest horse came towards the end of his life, with Frankel who was retired to stud with an unbeaten 14-race record and an estimated value of £100 million.

Racing presenter Clare Balding paid her respects to Cecil, tweeting: “He was one of the true greats and a gentleman. Frankel his crowning glory.”

Cecil married his one-time secretary Jane McKeown in 2008.

He is survived by two children from his first marriage, Katie and Noel, and son Jake from his second marriage.