First mare scanned in foal to Vale Of York

Group winner and producer Always Friendly tests positive

Kildangan Stud resident, Vale Of York, had his first mare scanned in foal on Monday 28 February when Always Friendly tested positive.

Now owned by Ringfort Stud, Always Friendly was trained by Henry Candy during her racing career, winning the G3 Princess Royal Stakes and placing at G1 level in France. Since retiring to the paddocks she has produced two G2 winners, the Premio Ribot scorer Dane Friendly and last seasons Grand Prix de Chantilly winner Allied Powers.

Vale Of York, who stands for €5,000, was an exceptional two-year-old, winning the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, beating five G1 winners, including the two leading horses of their generation in the US, Lookin At Lucky and Eskendereya. He is the best juvenile colt sired by Invincible Spirit and has been very well supported in his first year at stud.