Mare Madness

On January 22, one of the most anticipated occurrences of 2011 happened: 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra delivered a colt by 2007 & 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin. The bay colt was born at Stonestreet Farm in Kentucky and once word was announced that the 125-pound foal was born, there was much excitement among the Thoroughbred industry and its fans.

It was also announced that Rachel would be bred in 2012 to the 2006 Champion Three-Year-Old Male Bernardini, who is also famous for being the first stud that 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta was bred to. Also visiting Bernardini in 2012 is 2010 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Blind Luck. 

As for Zenyatta, the incredible mare is expected to deliver her Bernardini foal at Lane’s End Farm in early March. It has not yet been announced what stallion Zenyatta will be bred to this year.

Many fans – including me – find it remarkable that three of the greatest females to race in the past decade – Blind Luck, Rachel Alexandra, and Zenyatta – will eventually have Bernardini offspring. However, it is not surprising, as Bernardini is a very productive stallion, having sired four group or grade one winners since he entered stud in 2007. He is also one of the most expensive stallions at stud, standing for $150,000.

Here’s to wishing for healthy mares and foals, as well as offspring that will go on to do great things!

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2010 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Blind Luck
Photo: Terri Cage

2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta
Photo: Terri Cage