Vale Of York records his first Stakes winner

Fontanelice, who became the first winner for first-season sire Vale Of York last month with an astounding nine-length victory, stepped up in class with consummate ease to take the Listed Premio Alessandro Perrone in Rome on 2 June.

Settled just off the early pace, the juvenile filly was asked to quicken as the field approached the 400m marker and responded brilliantly, soon taking the lead and was never seriously challenged, running on to win the five-and-a-half-furlong contest by a length.

Bred by John Martin McLoughney, Fontanelice is the second foal out of the Choisir mare Choose Me Please, herself from the family of Japanese Derby winner Deep Brillante. Choose Me Please also has a yearling filly by Iffraaj.

The best juvenile son of Invincible Spirit, Vale Of York was the thrilling winner of the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, where he beat five G1 winners including Lookin At Lucky and Eskendereya. His first yearlings were very well received at the sales and sold for up to 150,000gns.

Also sire of promising winner Haxby, Vale Of York’s 2014 fee is €3,000, October 1st Special Live Foal.