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Frankel crowned best of best

FrankelFrankel
© Photo Healy Racing

Unbeaten superstar Frankel has been officially crowned the highest-rated horse in modern racing history after being given a final mark of 140 by the group of international handicappers who compile the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Announced at a press conference in London, Sir Henry Cecil's colt is rated 2lb better than Dancing Brave, whose mark of 141 after the 1986 season has been recalibrated and downgraded to 138.

Dancing Brave had been the highest rated since the international rankings system started in 1977, but the handicappers had conceded that the techniques to create the rankings these days are different to those in the past, meaning many horses from the 1970s and 80s have elevated figures compared with what they would achieve today.

Frankel finished his career with a perfect 14 wins from as many starts and is widely considered to be the greatest Flat horse of all time, improving from a mark of 126 when joint-champion two-year-old of 2010 with Dream Ahead to 136 a year ago.

Jim Bolger's Dawn Approach, unbeaten in six races including the National Stakes and Dewhurst, was crowned champion European two-year-old on a mark of 124.

Australian sprinter Black Caviar earned a mark of 130 along with Aidan O'Brien's champion miler Excelebration, who regularly chased home Frankel in 2011.

The adjusted historical ratings also impact on the marks awarded to 1997 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre among others.

He is now on 137 while 1991 Derby hero Generous, six-time Group One-winner Sea The Stars and 1981 Derby winner Shergar are on 136.