Exceed And Excel (Danehill) has been crowned Champion stallion for the 2012-13 Australian racing season.

Highlighted by G1 winning juveniles Overreach and Guelph (who between them took the Golden Slipper, Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes), Exceed And Excel sired no fewer than 142 winners who amassed over $11.40 million in prize money.

He also sired more stakes winners than any other stallion in the country with 17 for the season.

Commands finished third on the sires’ table and with Lonhro taking fourth, Darley in Australia became the first stud ever to stand three of the top four stallions on the general sires’ table.

“Sheikh Mohammed’s purchase of Exceed And Excel back in 2004 was one of the most significant purchases in Darley’s history in Australia,” Darley’s managing director Henry Plumptre said.   “Probably the most significant purchase was that of the Woodlands Stud empire back in 2008. In that deal we acquired some fantastic bloodstock including Commands and Lonhro.

“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.”

Exceed And Excel becomes the second Champion stallion for Darley in Australia after Lonhro claimed the title in 2010-11.