Isn't it time to step back from our Frankel fascination?

The debate currently simmering on the letters page of this newspaper about Frankel's stallion career, and whether we should be galvanised by it or merely observant of it, provides more food for thought than simply the first course.

It's certainly true that Frankel's offspring have been obsessed over by public and pundits alike since Cunco got the ball rolling a little more than a year ago. Actually, Frankel's offspring were being obsessed about bare minutes after he had finished towelling down after the Champion Stakes, and at every milestone - book of mares, first covering, first foal, first yearling through the sale ring - between then and now.

Is this reasonable behaviour? Well, certainly to a degree. Frankel was rated by several sources as the best horse anyone had ever seen, and it's only natural that there should be an interest in his genetic legacy, everyone wondering whether he'll turn out dud or dynamo.