Meet the local man who rides out world’s wonder horse

THIS is my brother riding out one of the most famous horses in racing history.

Shane (35), from Skerries in North County Dublin, is part of the team behind the wonder horse Frankel, whose performances on the racetrack have been thrilling audiences around the world.

To those not well versed in the world of horseracing, Frankel has been hailed as not only the best horse in the world but possibly the best ever by the respected Timeform organisation, which has been rating racehorses for more than 60 years.

And when the four-year-old colt streaked to victory in the Queen Anne Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot in June, coming in a full 11 lengths ahead of his nearest rival, it propelled his name into the pantheon of legendary greats that have come before such as Brigadier Gerard, Mill Reef and, perhaps most famous, Shergar.

It was a win that was described as the greatest performance in living memory and astonished even the seasoned veterans of the British racing scene but for Shane, who works with Frankel at the Warren Place stables in Newmarket, England, it was back to business as usual early the following morning.

“It was a great performance alright but he may only have a couple more races in him before he goes out to stud so we’re focused on those,

? Shane told me when I called to congratulate him.

“But yeah, a great win and to be honest a powerhouse of a performance that is totally characteristic of the horse.

?

Shane’s laid back demeanour was in sharp contrast to the excitement surrounding Frankel in the aftermath of this historic win but it comes with the territory for the young Northside man, who is partly responsible for taking care of a horse worth a reputed 100 million pound sterling.

Since he was first assigned to the horse in January 2011 at the stables run by trainer Sir Henry Cecil, Shane has been riding out Frankel every morning, putting him through his paces, and keeping him fit and happy.

After a year and a half he has an intimate knowledge of the horse that has the racing world in a spin.

“There is a routine to the day which we stick to as much as possible because horses love routine and Frankel is no exception,

? Shane revealed.

“He gets upset if his routine is broken in any way so we stick very close to that.

?

Already a star in the making, Frankel was an exciting challenge for Shane who had already worked with Frankel’s stablemate, the filly Midday who also made her name on the track, as well as the Derby winner Motivator.

For Shane, who started out with the Balbriggan based trainer Peter Casey during the school holidays, the love of racing was born though regular outings to courses across the country with our Dad, the late Irish Press racing correspondent Brian Fetherstonhaugh.

It’s funny because I remember it was a chore to be dragged around all these damp race meetings up and down the country but for Shane it led to a life defining adventure.

“I just remember being absolutely fascinated by the horses and loving the power and agility of them,

? he reflected.

“From the very first time Dad brought us to the races I remember thinking, even as a very young lad, that I wanted to work with them and wanted to be around them.

“And here I am working with one of the best in the world. It’s been a thrilling ride.

?

And all eyes in the Fetherstonhaugh household will be on the TV on Wednesday (August 1) when Frankel defends his 11-race winning streak at Goodwin.