Frankel Fever Could Fill Ascot's Stands Beyond Capacity

The excitement to witness British thoroughbred Frankel's final run could attract Ascot's "biggest modern-day crowd outside the royal meeting," according to Marcus Townend of the London DAILY MAIL. Trainer Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt will make its 14th career start in the Champion Stakes on Oct. 20. Ascot's autumn capacity is only 30,000 as it is "stripped of the temporary facilities used at its great summer festival." Officials believe Frankel "could increase that" to around 40,000 if capacity is allowed. The Premier enclosure has already sold out (DAILY MAIL, 9/3).