O’Brien relishing Frankel challenge

Aidan O’Brien is relishing a clash with Frankel when he sends the “exciting” St Nicholas Abbey to the Juddmonte International at York next week.

The Ballydoyle trainer said the £725,000 contest on the Knavesmire had always been in his his mind for St Nicholas Abbey, who was only run twice at the 10-furlong trip in his 15-race career.

The Montjeu five-year-old was last seen finishing third to Danedream over a mile and a half in the King George at Ascot, beaten less than two lengths.