Name of Curlin-Rachel Alexandra foal to be announced at Saratoga

Name of Curlin-Rachel Alexandra foal to be announced at

Saratoga

Barbara Banke, owner of Stonestreet, will visit Saratoga on Friday to

announce the name of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra's first foal, a

colt by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin born on January 22.

The name, which was submitted by Rachel Alexandra and Curlin's fans earlier

this year, will be announced by Ms. Banke in a special ceremony following the

running of the $100,000 Curlin Stakes, which has an approximate post time of

6:22 p.m. (EDT).

Stonestreet offered fans a chance to select the name of the bay colt on

Valentine's Day and more than 6,500 official entries were considered. The name

ultimately chosen was the most popular suggestion, and Banke, with assistance

from Rachel Alexandra, drew the winning entry on Monday. The winner receives the

opportunity to spend a night at Stonestreet Farm near Lexington, Kentucky, and

have a special visit with Rachel and her weanling.

"Even in retirement the love and affection shown to Curlin and Rachel

Alexandra continues to amaze us. We feel the name the fans selected carries on

the legacy of these two amazing athletes," Banke said. "We picked Saratoga to

make our announcement because of the deeply ingrained histories of both parents

and NYRA's wonderful fans."

Friday's event has been dubbed "A Toast to Taco's Official Name" as the colt

was nicknamed Taco on the farm, and Banke will encourage fans and patrons around

Saratoga to raise a glass that afternoon in honor of his official moniker.

Stonestreet representatives will attend the races at Saratoga on Friday and

distribute special vouchers to fans during the race card, redeemable for a glass

of Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay or lemonade at select locations

around the track. Chances to secure one of these vouchers will be announced on

Twitter by Stonestreet (follow

@StonestreetFarm).

NYRA will hold a Facebook promotion offering fans a chance to win photos of

Curlin and Rachel Alexandra (like

NYRA on Facebook for details about how to enter) and Friday's text trivia

question will be Curlin and Rachel Alexandra-themed.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com