Gosden to decide Nathaniel appearance

LONDON, July 28 PA - Lady Rothschild will let trainer John Gosden decide whether her star colt Nathaniel will lock horns with Frankel in the Juddmonte International at York.

The pair met on their respective debuts in what must be one of the hottest juvenile maidens of all time back in August 2010, with Frankel coming out on top by half a length.

Frankel is now the world's highest-rated racehorse and unbeaten in 11 appearances, while Nathaniel too has gone on to great things, winning last year's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and this season's Eclipse.

Lady Rothschild's most memorable season as an owner continued to provide enjoyment as Thistle Bird won a Listed race at Ascot on Friday.

One of Europe's most distinguished families, the Rothschilds have long been famed for success in the financial sector but their return as a force in racing has been sudden, with Waddesdon Stud in Buckinghamshire not only producing Nathaniel but his Irish Oaks winning sister Great Heavens.

Nathaniel was beaten just a nose by German raider Danedream in his attempted defence of the King George crown last weekend and connections are now pondering the next move.

"In a way it would never be me who decides, it would always be the trainer," Lady Rothschild said.

"I'd hate to be the one that beat Frankel. I wouldn't like to be the one to lower his colours, but I wouldn't be against running against him if the trainer wanted to.

"Nathaniel is getting better, and bigger and stronger, but I think Great Heavens might be the best one of all.

"I was overcome when she won in Ireland. I adore her."