It’s a BOY for Rachel Alexandra and Curlin!

 

Rachel Alexandra and her colt

It’s a BOY for Rachel Alexandra and Curlin! Rachel Alexandra, 2009 Horse of the Year, gave birth to a 125 pound colt by 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin.

The bay colt was born on Sunday, January 22 at 2:40 p.m. EST on Stonestreet Farm near Lexington, Ky. In just 90 minutes he took his first steps.   Word is that he bears a resemblance to his mother with a white star.

“Rachel is a natural mother, and took to the colt immediately,” said Stonestreet manager Gary Megibben.

The colt’s owner, Barbara Banke heard the news as she was at the San Francisco 49ers NFC title game at Candlestick Park.

“I am thrilled with the good news of Rachel’s safe delivery and health of the handsome colt that resembles her,” she said in a statement released by the Jackson Family Wines, which was founded by the late Jess Jackson. “For me and my children, this colt represents Jess’ dream – to raise and race the best. Co-owner Hal McCormick and I look forward to watching him develop and are excited to see him carry the Stonestreet silks as his Mom and Dad did before him.”

Stonestreet was founded by the late Jess Jackson and is now operated by his widow Barbara Banke, who owns both Rachel Alexandra and Curlin. Curlin, a son of Smart Strike, stands in stud at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky., where he has a $40,000 stud fee in 2012.

Curlin, also campaigned by Stonestreet, and won Horse of the Year honors in 2007 and 2008. He also won the 2007 Breeder’s Cup Classic and 2008 Dubai World Cup.

There was talk that Rachel Alexandra might run in the Kentucky Derby in 2009 but she stayed with the girls and won the Kentucky Oaks.  Two weeks later, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness.

Rachel Alexandra and her first foal were “doing well” one day after the birth, Stonestreet Farms said Monday morning on its website. “For the next week, the focus will be on allowing Rachel and her foal to adjust to one another,” the update on the website said. “We thank everyone for their warm thoughts and amazing response to this special event.”

Plans call for Rachel Alexandra, a 6-year-old Medaglia d’Oro mare, to be bred back to Bernardini this year.  Both Medaglia d’Oro and Bernardini stand in stud at Darley Farm.

 

Clairenmike

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