First foal on the ground for Coventry Stakes hero Buratino

Ballinasisla Stud in County Waterford welcomed the arrival of what is believed to be the first foal by Coventry Stakes winner Buratino, born 6pm on Sunday.

The newborn is a filly out of the Listed-placed Tobougg mare Nonna Iole and she was bred by Allevamento Le. Gi., who have previously produced stars such as Beauty Only and Biz The Nurse.

Giovanni Parri of Le. Gi. said: "She's a very nice and correct bay filly with a beautiful star in front."

Here the filly shows off her bold white star

Nonna Iole is the dam of Yoshida, her only runner and a three-time winner by Zebedee, and she hails from the family of multiple Italian Group 1 winner and US Grade 2 scorer Misil.

Buratino was an admirable two-year-old for Mark Johnston, finishing in the first three in all of his eight starts that season.

The son of Exceed And Excel won on debut in March and progressed to take the Woodcote Stakes by six lengths and the Coventry by two lengths from none other than subsequent champion Air Force Blue.

He went on to finish third to Air Force Blue in the Phoenix Stakes and second to Shalaa in the Middle Park Stakes.

Buratino is standing his second season at Kildangan Stud in County Kildare at a fee of €5,000. His debut book last year comprised 121 mares.