Dubai Millennium Stakes victory for Folkswood

Son of Exceed And Excel continues fine run for his sire at Meydan

Exceed And Excel has been enjoying an outstanding Dubai World Cup Carnival this year and on Thursday, 22 February, his son Folkswood gained a well-deserved first Group victory with a thrilling win in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes.

Settled behind the leaders for much of the ten-furlong contest, Charlie Appleby’s charge did not enjoy the clearest of runs but came with a superb late run to get up on the line and win by a short head from fellow Godolphin runner Leshlaa (Street Cry). Earnshaw, by US-based Darley stallion Medaglia d’Oro finished third to complete the Darley-sired trifecta.

This was the fifth career victory for Folkswood, who won the Listed Cranbourne Cup in Australia last year before finishing third in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. During the 2017 Dubai World Cup Carnival, he finished second in the G1 Jebel Hatta, beaten only a neck.

Bred by Hascombe and Valiant Studs, Folkswood is out of Magic Nymph, a full sister to Listed winner and G2-placed Galactic Star. His grandam is G1 Coronation Stakes winner Balisada.

Exceed And Excel is currently leading sire in Dubai by performances rated 115+, with no fewer than eight of his runners so far awarded this mark or higher.