Brilliant Montmartre brings more G1 glory for Montjeu

14th July 2008

Anybody who witnessed last Monday's G1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp was in little doubt that they had seen a superstar in action as the Montjeu three-year-old Montmartre (3c Montjeu-Artistique, by Linamix) ran away with the famous contest by a facile four lengths. Bookmakers were hugely impressed by the lightly-raced colt's victory and many now quote him as short as 4/1 favourite to emulate his sire and win the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe back at Longchamp in October.

Christophe Soumillon always had the Aga Khan's three-year-old well positioned and kicked for home two furlongs out, shooting clear of his opposition before easing down close to home. "He's a perfect sort for the Arc and he was born to win the race," Soumillon told the Racing Post. "He was very tense before the G1 Prix du Jockey-Club and it wasn't his trip. Today with pace over a mile and a half he showed his true quality."

Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre added: "We always knew he was good and that's why we ran him directly in the Jockey-Club after a maiden." Montmartre, who won the G3 Prix du Lys on his previous start, was bred by the late Jean-Luc Lagardere and he led home another G1 1-2-3 for Coolmore stallions and the Sadler's Wells sireline at Longchamp. The Wertheimer brothers' Prospect Wells (3c Sadler's Wells-Brooklyn's Dance, by Shirley Heights) finished second, just ahead of the High Chaparral colt Magadan (3c High Chaparral-Molasses, by Machiavellian).

Among those marvelling at Montmartre's performance was the Racing Post's bloodstock authority Tony Morris. "Personally, I am inclined to doubt whether there has ever been a more visually impressive display in a major race at Longchamp since Sea Bird's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe," wrote Morris.

The Racing Post's Ratings put Montmartre on a mark of 126 after the victory, making him jointly the season's leading three-year-old alongside Galileo's son New Approach.