Latest news with #Frankel
Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Times
My audience with Frankel — king of racehorses
For racing fans, the name Frankel is the equivalent of the mythical Pegasus. But the unbeaten superstar of the sport, who was retired from the track in 2012 and is now 17, doesn't reside on Olympus. Instead he can be visited in his stable in Newmarket courtesy of Newmarket Tours. The bad news is that Frankel is only available to the public eight times a year — for a group limited to 24 — and tickets are snapped up faster than an Oasis reunion. For aficionados, this really is the hottest ticket in town. The legend of Frankel is for ever tied with that of his trainer, the late great Sir Henry Cecil. Champion trainer ten times between 1976 and 1993, the charismatic Cecil's career had declined with the combination of a fallout with Sheikh Mohammed, two divorces (he married for a third time in 2008) and then a gradual physical decline caused by stomach cancer. From a peak of having about 200 horses in his care and for decades churning out over 100 winners a year, Cecil was down to about 50 and in 2005 he hit rock bottom with just 12 winners. The following year he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and, but for the staunch support of his leading owner, Prince Khalid Abdullah, he would surely have retired. Cecil had remained a darling of the racing public throughout, though, and it was Abdullah who provided Cecil with his greatest legacy when sending Frankel to his stables as an unraced two-year-old colt back in 2010. Frankel went on to win all 14 races he took part in, from 2010 to 2012, ten of them at the highest level, as he went from strength to strength while his once-dashing trainer looked ever more frail. Many believe that Frankel was all that kept Cecil going in his final years and the trainer finally succumbed to the illness in 2013, his life's work achieved. Those lucky enough to buy the golden Frankel tickets can still be a part of that great legacy. A half-day tour costs just £110, while a full-day version is £210. There are four of each a year. The full-day events start at 8am and are hosted by Cecil's widow, Lady Cecil, who both acts as your tour guide — adding her personal Frankel memories — and hosts a two-course lunch at the Bedford Lodge Hotel on the outskirts of town. The morning takes in a behind-the-scenes visit to Newmarket's Rowley Mile Course (the town also has the July Course), a visit to the gallops and a tour of a trainer's yard before lunch. It is a 2pm start for the half-day tour, meeting at the National Horseracing Museum in the middle of Newmarket. The tour bus is ageing but the journey times are short and the guides, with their years of experience in the sport, are brilliant. The former jockey Larry Bowden steered my bus and delivered a flawless commentary with a hint of a Suffolk accent. Every stud and training yard is accurately reeled off as you drive past, with historical facts about Newmarket and plenty of other little-known gems sprinkled in, all delivered with a dash of humour. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts First stop was the top of Warren Hill gallop, close to where Frankel was trained at Cecil's Warren Place base, and offers views across the town. It is a scene that has scarcely changed since Newmarket racecourse was founded by King Charles II back in 1636. Then comes the main event as you arrive at Banstead Manor Stud, which has been Frankel's home since his retirement from racing at the end of 2012. Not every top racehorse enjoys success at stud, with several Derby winners in recent years failing to produce progeny with the requisite ability and ending their careers in far-flung outposts. Frankel has proved exceptional, siring a seemingly endless list of top-class horses. His racing career earned £3 million but breeding is where the real money is. He is visited by about 150 mares during the breeding season, with their owners paying £350,000 a time for the privilege, earning Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms about £52.5 million a year. Given those numbers, it is no surprise that the surroundings are opulent, with well-appointed brick stables set among manicured lawns surrounded by pristine hedges that hide the rolling paddocks behind. If there is so much as a blade of grass out of place, it is not apparent. Banstead Manor houses seven stallions — one of them being Chaldean, a son of Frankel who followed his father by winning the 2,000 Guineas (one of five classics that are run each year in Britain). • The Queen, horse racing and me, by one of Britain's best trainers These are not pets, though, that you can pat on the nose in their stables. They are working horses. Thoroughbreds are by nature flighty and stallions often have plenty of attitude. Each stallion has their own personal groom, with whom they need to gel, and Frankel has been looked after by Rob Bowley since he arrived there in November 2012. The stallions are displayed, one at a time, by their grooms as we are given a running commentary by Henry Bletsoe as to both their racing career and their quirks. Frankel might be the main draw, but we are told that he is not the boss at the stud, with Oasis Dream, who is now 25, still demanding to be first in line. He really does have attitude, despite his advancing years, but looks magnificent with his coat gleaming in the sunshine. Then the main event saunters into view. Frankel, with his four white socks and distinctive crown-shaped white mark on his forehead, is rather more relaxed. He stands obediently as the group looks on in awe at this magnificent specimen, who is prepared to have pictures taken as long as a timely supply of carrots is provided by Bowley, who chats to him throughout. After a few minutes, though, his head starts nodding with ever greater frequency as boredom sets in — why have I been brought out of my stable when there is no mare to visit? He saunters back to his stable and disappears from view. • Can Gen Z save racing? Traditionalists have their doubts The tour ends with a visit to the breeding barn, with our guide trying to find appropriate words to describe how things work with two children in attendance, much to the amusement of the rest of the group. Goodie bags are handed out, in classy Frankel-design bags, which include much sought-after Frankel caps, leaving no doubt as to who is the star of the show. The trip is rounded off with tea and scones back at the museum at 4pm, which allows the chance for any lingering questions to be answered. Newmarket Tours was set up in 2015 and is a not-for-profit organisation that supports tourism in the 'Home of Horseracing'. It is doing invaluable work for the town, operating six days a week and entertaining 10,000 visitors last year. Those unable to buy the Frankel tickets have many other options to choose from, starting from as little as £16.50 (£5 for under-16s) for a 90-minute trip to the National Stud, whose four stallions include the triple Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius. Other studs, trainers' yards and behind-the-scenes access on race days at Newmarket are all available depending on your budget. There are about 3,000 horses in training in Newmarket, but Frankel, who retired in 2012, remains the town's biggest asset. A recent TV advert has a voice-over of a horse telling viewers that 'the Goat is a horse'. It goes on to remind 'mere humans' that a horse can 'sprint 100 metres in five seconds — with one of you on my back'. After centuries of breeding thoroughbred racehorses to become ever faster, Frankel is the best yet. The chance to see him in the flesh once again is too good to miss.
14 hours ago
After the NYC office shooting, how should a workplace protect itself to keep employees safe?
After a gunman opened fire in a New York City office building and killed four people, experts expressed some concerns regarding security in workplace environments. Four people were killed and one was injured on Monday after police say 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura entered a Midtown Manhattan office building -- which is home to the NFL headquarters -- wearing body armor and opened fire with a high-powered rifle, according to authorities. Donald Mihalek, a senior ABC News law enforcement contributor and retired United States Secret Service agent, said these types of workplace shootings are on the rise due to people -- employees and those not affiliated with the company -- feeling more comfortable with vilifying corporations and taking out their grievances through violence. From 1994 to 2021, 16,497 U.S. workers were "intentionally killed while at work," according to 2024 study. Other recent shootings that occurred at workplaces include the 2021 incident at an office complex in Southern California, killing four people, and a 2023 incident at a bank in Kentucky, killing five and injuring eight. "Corporations are now feeling what governments have felt for many years, being targeted, being vilified," Mihalek told ABC News. So, what was learned from this incident and how can office buildings help mitigate these shootings from escalating? Security outside an office building and artificial intelligence monitoring potential threats On Monday, the suspect emerged from a double-parked BMW with an M4-style weapon Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle, entered the lobby alone, immediately opened fire on a New York Police Department officer and sprayed the lobby with bullets. Richard Frankel, an ABC News contributor and retired FBI special agent, said Tamura's ability to leave his vehicle double-parked and walk with a visible weapon "without anyone even thinking about it or causing concern" is "a little bit of an issue." "It's crazy that he was able to walk on a Manhattan street into a building and not be seen carrying a long gun," Frankel told ABC News. "How was he able to just walk with no one seeing him carrying an assault weapon and actually having it dangle out from his jacket?" To prevent something similar happening in the future, Frankel said a corporation increasing its security presence outside the building -- by establishing a private government partnership or hiring individuals -- could help prevent the threat from actually entering the presence. Frankel also said there is artificial intelligence and video technology used by federal buildings that could "observe what somebody is doing and consider whether that's a threat or not." If an armed individual is approaching the building, "an alarm would go off" with this technology, Frankel said. Understanding the difference between handgun and rifle violence With this shooting, the gunman opened fire using a rifle, which is a "more powerful weapon" that can travel a greater distance and has a greater capacity to penetrate compared to a handgun, Mihalek said. Thus, corporations should think to make a "significant investment" in armor and bulletproof glass around the entranceways of the building, he said. While it is "very difficult" for someone to protect themselves from a rifle, a "man trap system" -- where somebody has to be let through different phases of the building in order to get to the heart of the structure -- could also help slow down the attack. Conducting threat assessments Mihalek also recommends that corporations conduct threat assessments, where a business identifies individuals -- both employees and those not affiliated with the company -- who may be potential threats of violence due to a recent termination, relationship turmoil or social media posts showing grievances toward the company or individuals at the company. While it is unclear whether the suspect in Monday's shooting was posting threats on social media, officials had found a note in his pocket accusing the National Football League of concealing the dangers to players' brains to maximize profits, sources said. So "chances are he had some type of social media presence or online presence somewhere where he might have said a few things about the NFL," which could have alerted of a potential threat beforehand. This behavioral assessment is a holistic process that detects, identifies and processes potential threats, Mihalek said. "This individual could have perhaps said something concerning online or elsewhere but if no one reports it or is looking, it can't be detected," Mihalek said. Implementing active shooter drills, training for employees Along with buildings implementing additional security and keeping a lookout for potential threats, both Mihalek and Frankel said corporations should implement routine active shooter drills and provide both online and in-person training conducted by local law enforcement. Mihalek said buildings should also partner with local law enforcement and emergency medical services so they can "understand the layout of the building" so that they are prepared for a potential threat to that particular office space. The Department of Homeland Security also has basic active shooter protocols instructing individuals in an active shooter situation to "run, hide and fight," which Mihalek said is used in many schools and is "simple, effective and it works."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Celebrate Glorious Goodwood with your Record: packed pullouts and great reader offers
Don't miss the summer's racing extravaganza with your favourite racing paper from Tuesday 29 July until Saturday 2 August Glorious Goodwood is one of the undisputed highlights in the summer racing calendar, set within one of the world's most picturesque racecourses on the estate of the Duke of Richmond in a relaxed yet formal atmosphere. Pick up your Daily Record every day of the festival from Tuesday July 29 until Saturday August 2, we're bringing you packed 12 page pullouts with all the runners, riders and punter insights you love, as well as great reader offers every day. Over five days from July 29 to August 2 the meeting, sponsored by Qatar, offers top quality racing with three notable feature events, the Sussex Stakes, Goodwood Cup and Nassau Stakes. The £1 million Sussex Stakes is the standout contest as it offers a generational clash between the three-year-olds from the Classic division and the best older horses at the one mile winners include the great Frankel, the only horse to win it twice, Kingman and Baaeed, while last year's victor Notable Speech may return to defend his crown against the new star Field Of Gold. The £500,000 Goodwood Cup, the highlight of day one, is a contest over two miles for the best stayers, while the £600,000 Nassau Stakes tests the best females over a mile and a quarter. The top race for sprinters is the King George Stakes while the major handicap of the week is the Coral Stewards Cup, on Saturday, always one of the biggest betting races of the year. So don't miss out this Glorious Goodwood - pick up your Daily Record from Tuesday July 29 until Saturday August 2, 2025 to get your fantastic reader offers PLUS incredible pullouts every day from the racing team you trust.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Bethenny Frankel shares 4 tips she swears by to stay fit and youthful at 54
This summer, Bethenny Frankel's abs went viral. At 54, the 'Real Housewife' turned-business mogul walked the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show, and her toned midriff galvanized the internet. Frankel told Business Insider she has been inundated with questions about her secrets for aging gracefully with a busy, travel-intensive schedule. "They want to know how I live, how I eat, how I pack, what I do," she said. Frankel said she doesn't follow a strict routine. She tries to walk regularly, manage stress proactively, and doesn't overthink her diet. Still, she understands the fear of getting older, and the desire to feel confident and healthy in your 50s. "I think people were moved by the Sports Illustrated Walk because they were saying, 'oh wait, I am not done. I have so much time. I could have a glow up in five years, in 10 years, in 20 years,'" Frankel said. If you are looking to give your lifestyle a tune-up, here are her top tips. Keep your fitness routine simple Frankel become a major player in business, turning her Skinnygirl brand into a multimillion dollar company and investing in various other companies — a golden touch known as the "Bethenny Effect." Still, she said she's not the type to follow a set schedule. "There is no typical day. A morning routine? I'm not that kind of person." One thing she will always fit in, though, is a walk. "I just try to get in steps, but certainly not every day." Walking is a great for longevity, since it keeps your heart strong and promotes good balance and stability, according to cardiologists and healthy aging doctors. While lifting weights is good for healthy aging too, the best exercise is one you'll do consistently, personal trainers say. If she's learned anything over the years, Frankel said, it's that you don't need to overcomplicate your workout routine to stay healthy as you age, 3 supplements she swears by Frankel said she takes a daily "pile of vitamins" and powders including: NAD+ — a trendy molecule being researched for energy and healthy aging in an IV and pill form. Collagen — a type of protein that supports healthy skin, hair, and joints. Irish sea moss — a nutrient-rich, edible seaweed that provides fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. Carbs are good, actually Frankel has long been famous for her "supermodel snacks," low-calorie bites that combine protein sources like turkey slices with mustard and bagel seasoning. Despite loving cottage cheese — which is protein-packed — Frankel said the high-protein trend is over-rated. "People are fixated and obsessed with so much protein. I think protein is good, just like I think carbs are good, fiber is good," she said. Instead, she tries to get creative in reaching for flavors she's craving, while being mindful of portion sizes. Make time for yourself Frankel said one of the major reasons for her continued success in both health and business is a proactive approach to burnout. She has a packed schedule, and finding balance is what has allowed her to keep up with a steady stream of obligations. Frankel said she still has stressful days, but she's learned to set aside plenty of time after to recover. That means being diligent about really resting, taking a full day to do nothing — not a 15-minute interview, not a quick meeting, not anything work-related, no matter how small, so she can fully unwind. "I don't run the car into the ground," Frankel said, preparing to take a long, relaxing walk in the sunshine after wrapping up her interview with BI. "You need to have a discipline about saying no."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including ‘spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard
They're going to AMO's No1 trainer instead THEY'RE OFF Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including 'spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIA JOORABCHIAN has moved several horses away from Ralph Beckett — including the unraced £4.6million Frankel filly named Partying. The AMO Racing chief has shipped a number of his string from Kimpton Down Stables to Freemason Lodge where his new trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy has recently moved. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 New AMO Racing trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy has taken delivery of a number of former Ralph Beckett-trained horses, including a record-setting £4.6million Frankel filly Credit: PA It is the second high-profile move to take place in the sport in a few days after a number of horses, including serial Cheltenham winner Ginny's Destiny, left Paul Nicholls for arch rival Nicky Henderson. Joorabchian has left former Irish Oaks heroine You Got To Me with Beckett for now, but has moved on the majority of his horses previously with the Arc-winning handler. De Foy sent out his first runners since his switch to Freemason at Leicester on Wednesday and has also recently received Ghostwriter, who was with Clive Cox. The £2m purchase was red-hot favourite for the Princess Of Wales's Stakes at the Newmarket July meeting earlier this month. But had to be withdrawn after rearing over when being saddled ahead of the 1m4f Group 2 won by Charlie Appleby's El Cordobes. The Belgian trainer recently issued an update on the four-year-old colt, saying: "Everything is fine with Ghostwriter and hopefully he'll be back soon." But it is Partying who is real headline-grabber. She was the most expensive yearling sold in the northern hemisphere last year and is out of the Royal Ascot-winning Shamardal mare Aljazzi. Joorabchian's right-hand man Alex Elliott helped strike the decisive blow at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale last October. And he said at the time: "She's a Frankel filly with that kind of physique from that kind of family. "We've seen Ylang Ylang from the same farm on the same Shamardal cross – we just need history to repeat itself! "I keep saying to people horses will pay you back. "It was a good bit more than we thought we'd have to pay but when Kia and his partners decided that they wanted the filly, they wanted the filly. "She is a spectacular filly, it is a spectacular price, and there's a spectacular bunch of horses here. "I'd like to say I was a cool customer when all that was taking place, but that would be a fib – I have never been in that rarified atmosphere before." De Foy moved to the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute's former base recently after being appointed AMO No1. Speaking of his decision to take on the trainer, who he called a 'perfect fit', football superagent Joorabchian said: "Kevin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition. "Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother. "We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly. "We believe he's the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we're excited about what's ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard." While De Foy added: "I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing. "This is a major milestone in my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity. "Amo Racing's investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
