Makfi's Master winner sets up exciting week

The Ralph Beckett-trained Master Of Irony, a three-year-old son of Qatar Bloodstock stallion Makfi, forged clear of four rivals and ran out an easy winner of a mile handicap under Oisin Murphy - he became a double on the day for his sire, who was also responsible for Monotype, a winner for Luca Cumani's stable.

Attention now turns to Goffs' London Sale in association with QIPCO, followed by five days of international racing of the highest class at Royal Ascot.

The sale, comprising breeze-up two-year-olds and horses in training - many with Royal Ascot entries - is held today (Monday, June 15) at the Orangery, St James's Palace. Fifty-six lots have been catalogued and can be viewed at www.goffs.com.

Royal Ascot starts tomorrow with a six-race card that includes three Group One events. Qatar Racing's involvement on day one involves three sprinters who ran in last month's Gr.2 Temple Stakes and who now line up in the £375,000 Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes (15.40).

Pearl Secret, who won the Temple Stakes (pictured, with white blaze), third-placed Wind Fire and sixthHot Streak, who started favourite for that race, join a field of 19. Andrea Atzeni rides Pearl Secret, Oisin Murphy partners Wind Fire and Jamie Spencer is booked for Hot Streak.

On a fascinating opening day, other highlights include the six-runner Gr.1 St James's Palace Stakes, in which dual Guineas hero Gleneagles faces Make Believe, who became Makfi's first Classic winner when landing last month's Gr.1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains.