Henry Cecil

Who was Henry Cecil?

Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil was a British flat racing horse trainer. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest trainers in history. Cecil was Champion Trainer 10 times and, as of June 2012, had trained 25 domestic Classic winners, comprising four winners of the Epsom Derby, eight winners of the Epsom Oaks, six winners of the 1,000 Guineas, three of the 2,000 Guineas and four winners of the St. Leger Stakes. His success in the Epsom Oaks and the 1,000 Guineas made him particularly renowned for his success with fillies. He was the Master Trainer at Royal Ascot, where he successfully trained 75 winners.

Describing his approach to training, Cecil told The Daily Telegraph: "I do everything by instinct really, not by the book. I like to think I’ve got a feeling for and understand my horses, that they tell me what to do really."

Cecil was knighted for services to horse racing in the Queen's 2011 Birthday Honours.