FRANKEL versus Canford Cliffs did not quite live up to the hype in the Sussex Stakes at the Glorious Goodwood Festival but the clash drew in a big crowd and helped underscore the reputation of this fine annual spectacle.

I had never witnessed all the runners being applauded to the start previously but the race was enjoyed equally by all racing connoisseurs.

The Sir Henry Cecil-trained Frankel had notched up eight wins from eight races with this victory.

Jockey Tom Queally went into the lead early and never relinquished that position.

Five-time Group One winner Canford Cliffs followed the leader closely up until the final furlong when Frankel surged clear to win by five lengths.

The three-year-old added this crown to his 2000 Guineas win this year.

Some thought Canford Cliffs, the pride and joy of the Richard Hannon stable, appeared to be slightly off colour and, since, it transpired that he had a pelvic problem that has meant his swift retirement to stud.

That deprives racegoers of a wonderful re-match between two great horses at the Qipco Champions Day at Ascot on October 15 this year.

Cecil has now trained six winners of the Sussex, and said afterwards:

"I thought he would win easily but didn't want to say. I have too much respect for the others.

"I think Frankel is the best horse I've ever seen, with Blushing Groom and Shergar. I can't go further back than that as I wasn't around," added the 68-year-old.

Jockey Queally, 26, said he had to switch tactics early on in the race., adding "He's absolutely amazing. He settled well today.

"He picked himself up furlong by furlong. Plan A was to stay behind and stay relaxed. But (at the front) I kept squeezing him away and he kept finding. It's a fantastic day."

Rio De La Plata took a creditable third spot with Frankie Dettori up and appeared to hold second just yards before the winning post.

The cash prize of £170,130 takes Frankel's career earnings to more than £800,000.

There were many other highlights ar the five-day festival, which loses none of its lustre year by year, including Mid-Day's staggering third successive victory in the Group One Markel Nassau Stakes — and it was that man Henry Cecil taking the training plaudits.

Midday clearly loves Goodwood as much as Cecil, who was winning the Nassau for a record eighth time. After a slow early pace, Cecil's mare showed a better turn of foot over the last quarter of a mile than her main danger, Snow Fairy, who came up two lengths short of Midday this time.

"She has now won six Group Ones in her career and she's been a bit unlucky not to have won two or three more," said Cecil.

"People keep saying I'm good with fillies but I've been lucky. Over the years I have trained for studs who have bred nice fillies."

Other highlights of the week? Mick Easterby's sprinter Hoof It, owned jointly by golfer Lee Westwood and his manager Chubby Chandler, became the first horse to carry ten stone to victory in the Blue Square Stewards' Cup since the war.

Hayley Turner won the totesport Mile and Richard Hughes title for the second year running.

A lowlight saw Ryan Moore break his humerus and a thumb in a nasty he may be out of action for the remainder of the flat season.

Another Glorious Goodwood has passed into the annals of racing history — now I look forward to another feast of top class flat racing in magnificent Sussex scenery next year.

Keith Whitford.