First foal for Augusta Kate arrives at Slaney River Stud

She did one set of famous connections proud on the racecourse and Augusta Kate has repeated the feat in motherhood for another after giving birth to her first foal in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

On the track, the Yeats mare collected five wins including a Listed Punchestown bumper and a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Fairyhouse as well as appearing three times at the Cheltenham Festival for an ownership syndicate formed by Graham Wylie and including the illustrious names of footballer Alan Shearer, golfer Lee Westwood and television’s beloved couple Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

After rounding off her racing career with a second to Benie Des Dieux in the Mares Champion Hurdle at last year’s Punchestown festival, August Kate was offered at the Tattersalls Ireland November Sale in foal to Champs Elysees.

She was bought for €85,000 by former Reading, Wolves and Ireland international striker Kevin Doyle, who keeps a handful of mares at his father Paddy’s Slaney River Stud in County Wexford.

Speaking at the time of the sale, Doyle said: "We have a Champs Elysees foal at home. He’s lovely and we're keeping him, but the plan will be to sell this mare's foals. We won't be going racing with her foal."

However, there could be a slight adjustment to the plan given that the youngster is a filly.

"As she's out of a Grade 1 winner whose dam, Feathard Lady, was also a Grade 1 winner, it could be tempting to run her on the track, you never know," said Paddy Doyle on Wednesday.

"That's a decision for the future. She's a lovely correct filly, she stood up well and seems to be very well. Augusta Kate is doing fine too, she's a great mother and very protective. She's booked to Mount Nelson next."

It was a busy morning on the farm, as Doyle explained: "Augusta Kate foaled at about 2am and a few minutes later a mare in the next box had another Champs Elysees filly. Thankfully we have two nice foals."

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