Exceed And Excel has been named Australian Champion Sire after an outstanding 2012/2013 racing season that saw his progeny accumulate more than $11.4 million in prizemoney.

Overreach was just one of Exceed And Excel's progeny to excel in the 2012/2013 racing season. Photo by: Steve Hart

The son of Danehill was a clear winner from Fastnet Rock while Commands and Lonhro capped off an excellent year for Darley by finishing in third and fourth position respectively.

Exceed And Excel was particularly dominant in the two-year-old ranks with his progeny Overreach (Golden Slipper) and Guelph (Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes) winning the two-year-old Triple Crown between them.

It is the first time that Exceed And Excel has been named Australian Champion Sire and was a big turnaround from his relatively disappointing eight place finish in the 2011/2012 season.

Darley Managing Director Henry Plumptre was quick to pay tribute to the entire team at Darley – who became the first stud in history to finish the season with three of the top four stallions in Australia.

“H H Sheikh Mohammed’s purchase of Exceed And Excel back in 2004 was one of the most significant purchases in Darley’s history in Australia,” Plumptre said in a statement.

“To stand three of the top four stallions in the country is an incredible achievement and it would not be possible without the efforts of our stud and racing staff and our nominations team.

“Most importantly however, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support from our loyal clients without whom this would not be possible.”

While Exceed And Excel took the mantle as the leading producer of juveniles in the country, Fastnet Rock finished the season at the top of the ladder of three-year-old and four-year-old horses.

Northern Meteor was named Australian Champion First Season Sire but that will be little comfort to the team at Widden Stud who are still coming to terms with the sudden death of the exciting stallion prospect after a colic attack on Tuesday night.