When Sir Cecil was fit and fine, the longest distance by which he beat Star Superior was 3 L. That was in the Derby Bangalore over 2000. Adjudicate beat Star Superior by 2.75 L in the Invitation over 2400. So no telling what would have happened in the Invitation Cup even if Sir Cecil was fit and fine. Adjudicate was reportedly recovering from a bout of fever when she ran the Indian Derby. On the basis of performances, Sir Cecil can be called a very very good horse, difficult to call him a great one. The only horse that did not or could not run the Indian Derby or the Invitation but is still considered great is Continual.

Completely agree with Smart Still Poor Punter!

Dear Sirs,

Please dont compare BESAFE with SIR CECIL. Besafe is always a cut above the rest.

False propoganda? Now where did that come from? Surely, being foolishly smart is meant for the impoverished poor guys, ones who were oblivious of the fact that Sir Cecil had a setback. 

Sir Cecil a legend...? Hahahaha...just feel like laughing loudly. What outstanding did this horse do except winning eight races in a row, first four of which had little prominence? When it came to the big screen (Indian Derby) it did bite the dust as many of us expected and that was the first major test for SC. When you can't win the most coveted race in the Indian racing calendar you just can't name a horse so heavily, please. He is an mediocre type, much less celebrated than even 'Be Safe'. For that matter, even Be Safe could not achieve what many other horses achieved in India. You race-goers glorify an animal so much and create a huge hype so that others get confused. Please don't indulge in false propaganda.

Indeed a very sad news. A champion should have retired with a win in his own style decimating the opposition.

Will be remembered for long you- Sir Cecil.

Sir cecil had setback and paddy feels he should not not be brought back but he achived averything what we were expect...

The legend is retired