THERE were two notable first-crop sires off the mark this week with their first starters. American Pharoah’s $750,000 son Monarch Of Egypt did the business at Naas, while Fitri Hay’s homebred Highland Chief won at Newbury.

My parents Benny and Sheila played a part in the success of Monarch Of Egypt. They bred his third dam Palacegate Episode (Drumalis) and she was quite a traveller in her day. She won a group race in Italy, listed races in England and Germany, and was group-placed in France and Ireland. She was one of three stakes winners from Pasadena Lady (Captain James), the others being Another Episode (Drumalis) and Palacegate Jack (Neshad).