Henry Cecil

Henry Cecil

Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil (born 11 January 1943) is an English flat racing trainer. He is widely regarded to be one of the greatest trainers to ever have graced the Turf. Cecil has been Champion Trainer 10 times and, as of June 2012, has 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 has made him particularly renowned for his success with fillies. He is the Master Trainer at Royal Ascot, where he has saddled more than 70 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.