Rachel Alexandra Delivers Heathy Curlin Colt at Stonestreet Farm

One of the most highly anticipated foals of the year has arrived. The 2009 Horse of the Year and Preakness winner, Rachel Alexandra, gave birth to the bay colt by two-time Horse of the Year (2007-2008) Curlin at 2:40 p.m EST on January 22. Stonestreet Farm tweeted a picture of the colt a few hours later.

The colt weighed in at 125 pounds and took his first steps 90 minutes after he was born. Farm manager Gary Megibber told Bloodhorse.com that both mare and foal are healthy and Rachel immediately took to the colt.

Rachel Alexandra’s birth announcement was delivered to co-owner Barbara Banke as she was getting ready to watch the 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," Banke said in a statement quoted on Bloodhorse.com. "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.”

The mating of Rachel Alexandra and Curlin allowed Jess Jackson’s dream of mating two Horse of the Year winners to come true. Unfortunately, Jackson couldn’t see his dream horse born as he died in April 2011 after a battle with cancer.

Rachel Alexandra will be visiting another champion when she visits 2006 Eclipse three-year-old Colt Bernardini for a 2013 foal.