CECIL'S DERBY TRIUMPHS 1985 Slip Anchor 1987 Reference Point 1993 Commander-in-Chief 1999 Oath

Cecil, whose career includes four Epsom Derby victories among 32 Classic winners, has been having treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for nine months.

The 64-year-old said the treatment had not affected his work and told the Racing Post: "I'm afraid I am going to be around for a long time yet.

"Because of the rumours surrounding my health I am making a statement.

"I didn't want to discuss it but I have been having treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for the last nine months.

"The treatment has been going well, I am on the mend, and it hasn't affected my work in any way and I have been carrying on as normal throughout and enjoying it."

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After a golden period through the 1970s, 80s and 90, Cecil's fortunes have faltered in recent years.

But the Group One flag was raised once more at his Warren Place stables in Newmarket last season after Passage Of Time won the Criterium de Saint Cloud in France in November.

"Everyone at Warren Place is looking forward, hopefully, to having a good season and it is business as normal," he said.

Cecil has employed some of the best-known jockeys, and Kieren Fallon helped provide the trainer's last Epsom Derby success when winning aboard Oath in 1999.