Frankel named Cartier Horse of the Year

Frankel was named the Cartier Horse of the Year during a ceremony on Tuesday night in England, his second straight season earning the prestigious award.

Frankel, who was retired undefeated after winning the Champion Stakes last month at Ascot, was a clear choice to be honored as Europe’s top horse. He ran his unbeaten streak to 14 during 2012, thoroughly dominating the mile division before stepping up to win his last two starts over 1 1/4 miles.

Frankel took down a second Cartier award Tuesday as the leading European older horse of 2012, his fifth Cartier from a three-season career. In 2011, Frankel was named champion 3-year-old colt in addition to Horse of the Year, and in 2010 he was feted as Europe’s top 2-year-old.

Other 2012 award winners were Dawn Approach (2-year-old), Certify (2-year-old filly), Camelot (3-year-old colt), The Fugue (3-year-old filly), Black Caviar (sprinter), and Colour Vision (stayer).