Racing comes together to remember Julie Cecil at packed Newmarket funeral

There was a packed house at St Mary’s Church in Newmarket on Friday afternoon for the funeral of Julie Cecil, and many more elsewhere as the service was broadcast live to countries as far away as New Zealand.

The first wife of Sir Henry Cecil and later a successful trainer in her own right in the town, Cecil died last Wednesday aged 80. Her coffin was simply adorned with flowers and a skull cap bearing her favoured red silks with white spots.

Not surprisingly, there was a strong turnout from across racing and many with connections to Warren Place, where the Cecils enjoyed great success together in the 1970s and 80s.

Among many local trainers were Sir Michael Stoute, Sir Mark Prescott, John Gosden, William Haggas and Simon Crisford, while Ed Dunlop, William Jarvis, James Toller and James Fanshawe acted as ushers. Former trainers included Cecil’s great friend Clive Brittain, Luca Cumani and Neil Graham.

Past and present from elsewhere included Nicky Henderson, Charlie Brooks, Paul Webber, Paul Cole and his son Oliver as well as a host of Cecil’s former owners and their representatives, including Alan Cooper, Tim Bulwer-Long, Anthony Stroud, Angus Gold and Grant Pritchard-Gordon.

Julie Cecil's son Noel and grandson Jack with her favourite cap Picture by Mark WestleyCredit: Mark Westley

Former employees from her days at Warren Place and later at Southgate Stables on the Hamilton Road were even more abundant and included jockeys Nigel Day and Alan Bond as well as former head lad Paddy Rudkin, former assistant Willie Jardine, Dave Morris, John Scott, Dave Goodwin, Frank Conlon, Steve ‘Yarmy’ Dyble and now trainer Terry Kent.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Jeremy Lund and the three readings were given by Cecil’s daughter Katie, grandson Jack and the Duke of Bedford.

The address was given by Cecil’s cousin Charlie Murless, who said: “To all of us Julie was ageless. This day has been a long time in the making but despite setback after setback, she was as brave as a lion with a heart to match.”

On her achievements, he said: “Suffice to say she was a bloody good racehorse trainer and horsewoman. What has been picked up over the past week is the tremendous respect, esteem and sadness that has been shared far and wide by friends and strangers alike.“

He added: “What has struck a chord is how she went about fulfilling her life in a way that engendered universal respect, affection and love. Julie was one of the sport's true characters for all the right reasons. She wouldn’t let you down, not even with a thought.”

He recalled : “Not long ago Julie said to me she wished she could talk to Henry. Well she can now and I wish I was a fly on the wall for that conversation.”

As well as Katie, Cecil leaves a son Noel and granddaughter Olivia.

Afterwards there was a gathering at the Jockey Club Rooms. Any donations are requested to go to the Newmarket Day Centre or the Dogs Trust.