Fabulous Frankel in Champion show (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Fabulous Frankel in Champion show

4:17pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013

Frankel was at his majestic best as he made it a perfect 14 victories in the final race of his career, the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The world's highest-rated racehorse, trained by Sir Henry Cecil, won his 10th Group One race with a trademark display of pure brilliance - despite a momentary scare when he was slowly away from the stalls.

Sent off the 2-11 favourite, Khalid Abdullah's wonder colt took up the running from Cirrus Des Aigles over a furlong out under his ever-present jockey Tom Queally and pulled away from the French star to win cosily by a length and three-quarters.

Cecil said: "He didn't like the crowd much, but he was very relaxed. He's the best I've ever had. He's the best I've ever seen. I'd be surprised if there's ever been any better."

Abdullah, one of the world's leading racehorse breeders, confirmed that Frankel has run his last race and is to be retired.

Queally said: "He's just getting more and more relaxed as time goes on. He waited until the gates were open, then he was away. I was happy all the way, but there's no doubt he's better on better ground. His class showed today.

"I walked the track and I was a little worried about the conditions. Having walked it in the home straight I knew it wasn't too heavy for him to quicken up.

"You want every angle covered and everything in your favour, so in that respect there was always a little worry, but he was in great heart today and he looked a lot better than he did 12 months ago on this day. He was so good today, even on that ground."