Sir Henry Cecil's great champion Frankel strolled to a superb victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Officially rated the best horse in the world, the Khalid Abdullah-owned colt never looked in any danger as he extended his unbeaten record to nine in the Qipco-sponsored event.

Old rival Excelebration threatened to make a race of it at one stage, but the 4-11 favourite was asked to quicken away by Tom Queally and streaked four lengths clear, with French filly Immortal Verse in third.

Frankel returned to a rapturous reception from the packed grandstands and Queally said: "He was as good as ever. He's getting more professional and he's getting stronger, he's the real deal. Not that he wasn't before.

"The race did suit, but it didn't suit. Ian (Mongan, on Bullet Train) did a good job putting the pace to the race, but I couldn't get much cover. He lost his cover and I had to change plans a bit, but he waited until I gave him the office and you saw what happened after that.

"He was grown up enough that when there's horses in front of him he doesn't have to pass them until I say go. When I did say go he was electric.

"He's the horse of a lifetime for the public, let alone the jockey. It's difficult to explain what he means to me, I'm terribly, terribly lucky. I don't really feel the pressure but it's there. Luckily enough the whip debate took a lot of it off me this week. I would like to think I handle it pretty well, I enjoy it."

Cecil added: "He's a terrific horse. He's done everything we asked of him, and next year he will definitely get a mile and a quarter. I was nervous because everything has to go right, but he has really grown up and settles very well. He did it really well.

"It's been a long year and I'm looking forward to the winter. I'm very happy. He did everything that we asked, we weren't trying to catch pigeons or anything, we just wanted to win nicely. He has had a long year and won't run again this season."

Owner Prince Khalid, who can count the likes of Dancing Brave among his great horses, said: "He's the best horse I have ever owned. Many people think he is the best horse they have ever seen. I just hope he does the same thing next year. Henry is the best trainer. If he says something, I believe him."