THERE is hardly a superlative that has not been attributed to the dozen or so outstanding stallions that currently reside in Ireland and Britain. As a writer, it can be frustrating at times as you seek to find a word that can accurately pay tribute to their achievements.

Brilliant, outstanding, superb, magnificent, marvellous; these are just a small selection of the adjectives that are now overused, especially when attributed to horses that have done very well, but are just below the very, very best. One of the European sires who deserves any of these descriptions is Juddmonte’s Frankel (Galileo). The 18-year-old is at Banstead Manor Stud and has completed his third season covering at £350,000 (almost €420,000).