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Frankel's half-brother wins for Lady Cecil; Royal Ascot to honor Sir Henry

Sir Henry Cecil, shown having a word with Frankel, passed away nearly a year to the day since his triumph in the Queen Anne (Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com) Lady Jane Cecil, Sir Henry Cecil's widow who has temporarily taken over his license, sent out a poignant first winner at Nottingham on Thursday -- Khalid Abdullah's homebred Morpheus, the three-year-old half-brother to the unconquerable Frankel. Making his fourth career start in the 1 1/16-mile maiden, the 4-5 favorite powered 4 1/2 lengths clear beneath James Doyle. The son of Oasis Dream was opening his account just two days after the passing of Sir Henry, whose illustrious career was crowned by Frankel's exploits over the past couple of seasons. Morpheus was unplaced in his first two attempts, but was coming off a runner-up effort in a May 9 maiden at Goodwood. Shortly afterward at Yarmouth, Lady Cecil notched a quick double courtesy of Sir Robert Ogden's Songbird. A smashing debut winner at Salisbury on May 16, the Danehill Dancer filly made short work of only two rivals when romping by 11 lengths in a handicap over 1 7/16 miles. Ian Mongan, long associated with Cecil's Warren Place yard, was aboard. Lady Cecil's first two winners came on the same day that Ascot announced special commemorations of Sir Henry at the upcoming Royal meeting.

On Tuesday, opening day, there will be a minute's silence at the racecourse after the arrival of the Royal Procession in the Parade Ring.

Later in the week, the June 21 renewal of the Queen's Vase will be titled: "The Queen's Vase in Memory of Sir Henry Cecil."

The choice of race was apropos, for the legendary trainer owns the record for most wins in the Queen's Vase with eight.

Along with the Gold Cup and the Royal Hunt Cup, the Queen's Vase is one of three races at Royal Ascot for which the Queen donates her own trophy. The jockeys riding in the Queen's Vase in Memory of Sir Henry Cecil will wear black armbands for that race.

"Sir Henry was an intrinsic part of Royal Ascot with 75 winners over more than four decades," said Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot.

"It is no secret that Royal Ascot was his favorite meeting of the year and we felt it was fitting to honor his achievements here next week, and remember the passing of one the greatest figures that the world of sport has ever seen.

"Our thoughts are with Sir Henry's family and I am delighted that Lady Jane will be accompanying the Countess of Wessex for the trophy presentation following the Queen's Vase."

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