Video story: the man who shod Frankel looks forward to another Royal Ascot

Stephen Kielt knows the pressure Royal Ascot can bring as he was responsible for shoeing the mighty Frankel. Here he shows what it takes to get Roger Varian's string ready for the royal meeting

Just as he did with Frankel's trainer Henry Cecil, Kielt has the pleasure of being able to watch the Varian stars in action on the famous Newmarket gallops and he arrives at 5.30am at Carlburg Stables with his miniature 'skull jack' anvil to get the horses ready.

Clive Brittain's former base can hold 170 horses, which means there are 680 shoes to be applied at some time or other, but Kielt works alongside two other farriers.

The 38-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has been with Varian for five years, recalls in the video a conversation with Cecil before Frankel's final start.

Kielt said: "Henry said to me, 'I want you to be careful shoeing that horse as there are no other options for him.' I replied, 'I'll shoe him like my life depended on it."

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