Robert Julian Frankel: A legend the horseracing world will never forget
Robert Julian Frankel; a name which will keep glowing on the sky of American thoroughbred racing forever, a legend whose standard no one will ever dare to match, a trainer who launched a number of record-making and record-breaking horses in the racing industry
during 68 years of his life span and an achiever who bagged countless title and awards as long as he had been alive.
Inducted into America’s National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Frankel was born on July 9 1941 in New York, USA. Also known as Bobby Frankel, he started his horse training career as an assistant to the renowned mentor of 1960s, Buddy Jacobson. With
his sharp learning skills, he accumulated immense knowledge with this experience. He packed in his mind everything regarding horses. It was this diligence which made him a legend.
Soon after, the intelligent young guy, who loved horses more than anything else in the world, opened his independent training centre, winning his maiden title in 1966. Two years later, Frankel’s horses won 36 of 165 outings and earned $167, 000.
In 1972, Frankel moved from New York to California permanently. The new place supplemented the trainer’s luck. By winning world record 60 races at Hollywood Park, he established himself as a top teacher in the betting world. In every racing event, Bobby’s
horses drew big bankrolls. This spread his fame like a wild fire across the world.
Throughout 1980s and 1990s, Frankel ruled unchallenged over the empire of thoroughbred horseracing industry. The horse whom he even touched for a time earned victories.
A keen follower of Charlie Whittingham’s training techniques, Robert accomplished numerous Eclipse Awards and ‘Trainer of the Year’ awards. The legendary mentor set a world record by winning Pacific Classic Stakes for six times. Not stopping here, the king
of racing industry placed another unbreakable record by winning 25 Grade 1 races in 2003.
As a whole, Frankel accomplished 3, 654 wins during his professional career. The ESPN termed him the most successful and venerated trainer in the history.
Among the notable horses Bobby trained included Medaglia d’Oro, Aldebaran, Stardom Bound, Sightseek, Proviso, Ginger Punch, Ghostzapper, Ventura, Vineyard Haven and Peace Rules. Each of these horses possessed outstanding and matchless track record.
After Enduring Leukemia for some months, the celebrated trainer breathed his last on November 16, 2009 at his residence in California. With Frankel’s death, the thoroughbred industry lost its life blood. But his legacy will never die. The standard of training
he set will work as milestones for his successors till the doomsday.
Following the legend’s demise, The Independent wrote, “I think when future champions come to be judged, they’ll find the bar has been set very high by Bobby Frankel, Henry Cecil and Frankel himself.”
Bloodhorse.com stipulated, “Bobby Frankel’s legacy continues to inspire us ... It’s an honor to have You and I permanently retired to Old Friends.”
The great men like Frankel come once in history but the legacies they set change the world. Till the life on this planet ends, Frankel’s name will be at the top whenever the ace trainers are to be enlisted.
In every awards dinner and during presentation ceremony of every iconic racing, Frankel’s name is pronounced with great respect. He still glitters in the hearts of race lovers. May her soul rest in heavens!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect bettorcom's editorial policy
Tags: