SIR HENRY CECIL, one of Britain’s most influential trainers and the mastermind behind the success of superstar racehorse Frankel, has died aged 70.

In a brief statement issued on his official website, Cecil’s Warren Place Stables confirmed that the 10-time champion trainer lost his long battle against cancer earlier today.

“It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.

“Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil.”

Cecil was knighted in 2011 for his services to horse racing. In the course of a long and distinguished career, he trained 25 British Classic winners and a record 75 winners at Royal Ascot.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2006 but the success of his final years cemented his legacy  as Frankel won an unbeaten 14 races across a range of distances, earning his place as arguably the finest racehorse ever to grace the track.

Frankel was “his crowning glory,” tweeted racing presenter Claire Balding this morning as she paid tribute to “one of the true greats and a gentleman.”

“He will be missed by everyone in racing,” tweeted fellow trainer David Pipe while racing commentator Derek Thompson saluted him as the “greatest trainer of all time.”