Frankel
may have had the wood on Excelebration (IRE) when they were racing rivals, but
in the breeding barn it is Excelebration who has struck first blood.
Brilliant three-time Group I winner Excelebration is on the board with his
first winner after promising filly Natalie Express scored a resounding five
length win in France overnight.
Guy Heald's home-bred filly was sent off favourite for her debut in an
1,100-metre conditions event at Le Lion-D'Angers and was in a race of her own
as she opened up to win by daylight for the Henri-Alex Pantall stable.
A half-sister to stakes-placed Leader Writer, Natalie Express is the third
winner for Miss Emma May, a half-sister to stakes-winner Viz, the dam of Group
II winning sprinter Viztoria.
A great racetrack rival of the mighty champion Frankel, Excelebration may have
played second fiddle to him on the racetrack, but has beaten the superstar in
the breeding barn in the race to sire their first winner.
A son of champion sire Exceed and Excel, Excelebration is listed on the Coolmore Australia roster again for 2016 at the
reduced fee of $13,750.
He has had 28 yearlings sell in Australasia this year at an average $61,679headed by a colt from String of Pearls that made $175,000 at Magic Millions.
His first Australian runners will be in action next spring.