The first foals of 2011 are on the ground in Europe and North America and Coolmore welcomed the arrival of the first Yeats foal on the weekend.

Rock of Gibraltar mare Flamenca foaled a bay colt on Saturday and Coolmore manager Christy Grassick reports the youngster is a correct bay with plenty of quality.

“Yeats won more Group 1 races than any other son of Sadler’s Wells and he covered an excellent book of mares last year,” Grassick said.  “We hope to see many more classy foals by him this season.”

One of the most popular stayers of recent times, Yeats retired to stud as the winner of 15 races including four consecutive renewals of the Ascot Gold Cup.  He stands at Coolmore for a 9,000 euros service fee.