Great stallion Montjeu dies

ONE of the greatest horses of the modern era, Montjeu, the sire of three Epsom Derby winners, has died aged 16 after a short illness.

Winner of six Group 1 races on the track, the stallion developed into one of the world’s leading sires for Coolmore, producing numerous top-class runners.

A statement from Coolmore said yesterday: “Montjeu, the highest-rated racehorse ever by the great Sadler’s Wells, has died this morning at Coolmore Stud after a short illness which was due to complications from an overwhelming septicaemia.”

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Mick Kinane rode the John Hammond-trained Montjeu to five victories, including in the 1999 Arc and the King George. He said: “He was a really outstanding racehorse – one of the few outstanding racehorses I’ve ridden. That King George win was pretty good all right. He treated them with contempt that day and it was just a privilege to be on board. He had an aura about him.”

Chantilly-based trainer Hammond described Montjeu as an “eccentric genius”.

“It’s really sad news,” he said. “He provided us with some magic moments and some great memories.”

Montjeu retired to stud at the end of 2000 after a racing career that saw him land the 1999 French and Irish Derbies, as well as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He was also an electrifying winner of the 2000 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

His son, Motivator became a first Derby winner for Montjeu in 2005, while Authorized followed up two years later. French raider Pour Moi then added to the tally with his victory in 2011.

Montjeu has provided a stream of Group 1 winners for the Coolmore team of John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, in whose colours he raced. Other Group One-winning progeny in Europe include 2005 Irish Derby winner Hurricane Run, Ascot Gold Cup victor Fame And Glory, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf hero St Nicholas Abbey and St Leger winner Masked Marvel. He also sired the 2011 Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly.