Henry Cecil trainer of 25 English Classic winners
Henry Cecil has been recognised by the award of a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his outstanding training career.
The 10-time champion trainer expressed his delight and pride at the recognition, given for services to the sport of horseracing.
Cecil said: “It’s a wonderful surprise. I’m very honoured and grateful to the people responsible.
“It is such a thrill for my family and myself. I couldn’t feel more proud.”
Cecil took out his licence in 1969 and he has not looked back since. He has won 25 British Classics and been champion trainer 10 times.
Cecil, 68, said he learned that his name had been put forward after the York May meeting but could not quite bring himself to believe it was going to be true.
“I’ve always tried to prove myself,” he said. “It’s my way of life and I love it. I love everything about racing. I’m just very, very grateful.”
He’s been mistakenly called ‘Sir’ Henry in the past and added: “Maybe I’ll get used to it. I’m only just getting over the shock of it.”
And asked if the honour would change him, he replied: “No, I shall be the same boring Henry.”
Or rather Sir Henry.
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Now read this:
The Hunger that drives the Long Reign of King Henry Cecil
The newly knighted trainer of the 2000 Guineas winner Frankel says his will to win is fueled by a desire to prove doubters wrong
CLICK HERE for an interview with Paul Hayward of The Observer
