Rachel Alexandra gives birth to Curlin colt

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, gave birth Sunday in Kentucky to a 125-pound colt by Curlin, the 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year, according to a press release. It was Rachel Alexandra's first foal.

The bay colt was born at 2:40 p.m. at Stonestreet Farm, near Lexington. He took his first steps 1 1/2 hours later. Stonestreet farm manager Gary Megibben said both mare and foal were doing well and that "Rachel is a natural mother, and took to the colt immediately."

The colt is emblazoned with a white star and is said to resemble his mother.

“I am thrilled with the good news of Rachel’s safe delivery and health of the handsome colt that resembles her,” owner Barbara Banke said in the release. “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.”

Jess Jackson and McCormick purchased Rachel Alexandra from owner-breeder Dolphus Morrison after her 20 1/4-length romp in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks. Jackson died in April 2011.

Rachel Alexandra, by Medaglia d’Oro and out of Lotta Kim, won five Grade 1 stakes in 2009 – the Kentucky Oaks, Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell, and Woodward – on her way to a Horse of the Year title. Curlin won the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic and 2008 Dubai World Cup.

Rachel Alexandra is scheduled to bred this year to Bernardini, who covered 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta last year. That foal is due some time in March.

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