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."
Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday
Published on 12 June 2019inRoyal Ascot
Last updated 12:36, 12 June 2019
- 'He’s certainly the most exciting horse we’ve had for some time' - George Scott eyeing Royal Ascot return for Isle Of Jura
- Jerome Reynier: we’re likely to prioritise Royal Ascot and try to write some more history with Facteur Cheval
- Record £10 million on offer at Royal Ascot in 2024 as track reveals prize-money levels
- Coronation queen Tahiyra extends lead at the top of Cartier Horse of the Year standings
- Newmarket trainer with 11 horses still on cloud nine after first Royal Ascot runner finishes third at 125-1
- 'He’s certainly the most exciting horse we’ve had for some time' - George Scott eyeing Royal Ascot return for Isle Of Jura
- Jerome Reynier: we’re likely to prioritise Royal Ascot and try to write some more history with Facteur Cheval
- Record £10 million on offer at Royal Ascot in 2024 as track reveals prize-money levels
- Coronation queen Tahiyra extends lead at the top of Cartier Horse of the Year standings
- Newmarket trainer with 11 horses still on cloud nine after first Royal Ascot runner finishes third at 125-1