Anton Chekhov is Montjeu’s latest star

9th May 2007

Montjeu is no stranger to classic glory and his son Anton Chekhov (3c Montjeu-By Charter by Shirley Heights) looks a leading Derby contender after winning the G2 Prix Hocquart at Longchamp.

Johnny Murtagh was always prominent aboard Anton Chekhov, a 625,000gns yearling bred by the Barnett family, and his mount battled on to deny Royal And Regal (3c Sadler’s Wells-Smart ‘n Noble by Smarten).

Bloodstock agent Robert Nataf represented winning trainer Aidan O’Brien and reported: "He has heart and stays very well and could go straight to the G1 Epsom Derby or G1 Irish Derby - or both."

Murtagh added: "He seemed to be waiting for the others and was saving his energy. He battled very hard and will stay a mile and a half."