Video: Sir Henry Cecil was 'a wonderful man' Sir Henry Cecil was one of the greatest Flat trainers of the post-War era and the man who masterminded Frankel's 14-race unbeaten career. News of his passing at the age of 70 after battling with stomach cancer since 2007 was made public in a statement on his own website. Cecil's career began in 1969 when he took over from his step-father Sir Cecil Boyd-Rochfort. Within six years he has won the first of 25 Classics when Bolkonski, ridden by Frankie Dettori's father Giofranco, triumphed in the 2,000 Guineas and a year later he was crowned Champion trainer for the first of 10 times. He went on to saddle four Derby winners.