US Triple Crown hero American Pharoah made the best possible start to his stud career when his first runner, Monarch Of Egypt, skipped over the turf for an authoritative two and three-quarter length win in an Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race over five furlongs at Naas on Saturday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt led for the majority of the race under Ryan Moore to defeat Ming Warrior (No Nay Never) with In The Present (Karakontie) one and a half lengths back in third. (image Coolmore)
Monarch Of Egypt was the first juvenile runner of the season for O'Brien who said a trip to Royal Ascot is on the agenda for the son of American Pharoah and Betfair made him a 14/1 chance in the Coventry Stakes.
"That was lovely. He is a straightforward and honest horse who has been showing us plenty on the gallops at home," O'Brien said.
"This was his first time away so you would imagine there will be plenty of improvement. He is uncomplicated and has a lovely mind."
Bred by Ran Jan Racing, Monarch Of Egypt was bought by M.V. Magnier for $750,000 at the Keeneland September Sale.
He is the third foal out of the talented Galileo mare Up who won the Group II Blandford Stakes and was runner-up to Beauty Parlour in the Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
Purchased for $2.2 million at Keeneland in January 2015 when carrying a positive test to War Front, Up is a half-sister to Cheveley Park's highly successful stallion Dutch Art who won the Won Group1 Middle Park Stakes, 6f, Newmarket and the Won Group 1 Prix Morny, 6f, at Deauville.
An exceptional two-year-old American Pharoah (image Mark Smith) broke his maiden in the Grade 1 Futurity Stakes and followed up in the Grade 1 Frontrunner Stakes just three weeks later.
Returning the following Spring, American Pharoah won on six consecutive races including the Triple Crown, making him the first horse to complete the feat in 37 years.
The son of Pioneerof The Nile claimed eight Grade 1 victories during his career and amassed almost $9million in prize money.
American Pharoah's covered 47 Group/Grade 1 winners and/or producers in his first season at stud.
His first Australian foals were born last spring.
