SINCE 2006, the likes of Beneficial, Presenting, Oscar and Flemensfirth have proven to be the dominant forces in the stallion ranks between the flags but, as the last-named remains the only one of that quartet still covering mares, we are beginning to see something of a changing of the guard within the stallion ranks.

Getaway has undoubtedly made the most notable impact of the younger stallions emerging, earning the champion sire crown last season.

With the likes of Jeremy, who proved a big player with his final crops in recent seasons, also no longer on the scene, there is an even greater void to be filled.

In the past three weeks, we have seen four-year-old maidens being won by the progeny of Libertarian (Knockhouse Stud), Ocovango (Beeches Stud) and Jet Away (Arctic Tack Stud), all of whom had never previously sired a winner between the flags.

Four-year-old maiden winners, in particular, are lucrative for young stallions and their owners, as they seek to quickly carve out a reputation in an ultra-competitive sphere. With plenty more new arrivals to come on the scene, it will certainly prove to be an interesting angle to follow over the coming months and years to see just who is able to make that big breakthrough.