Excelebration time

Exceed And Excel colt is the runaway winner of the German 2,000 Guineas

Exceed And Excel colt Excelebration was bred in Ireland, is trained in Britain by an Italian and is now a German Classic winner after posting an explosive performance in the G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2,000 Guineas) to win by seven lengths at Cologne on Sunday.

The three-year-old, who was bred by Owenstown Stud from the Indian Ridge mare Sun Shower, is trained in Newmarket by Marco Botti for Italian owner Giuliano Manfredini.

Last seen chasing home the subsequent English 2,000 Guineas winner Frankel for second place in the G3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury in April, Excelebration was making just his fifth start, having won twice as a two-year-old.

He is the first Classic winner for Exceed And Excel, who is also the sire of Group One winners Helmet and Reward For Effort, plus fellow Group Two scorers Wilander and Infamous Angel.