Going the Distance with Montjeu

By Jack Werk

I mentioned in my last post that two stallions deserved mention this past weekend, and I wrote about Darley’s underrated Singspiel first, because he absolutely doesn’t get the respect he deserves. The other stallion who had a big weekend is no stranger to headlines – Coolmore’s fantastic Sadler’s Wells horse Montjeu! Now, Coolmore also has the equally fabulous Sadler’s Wells stallion Galileo, whose son Rip Van Winkle won the G1 QE II this weekend and is, with the exception of Sea the Stars, the best 3-year-old colt in Europe up to 10f. Montjeu, however, has the best 3-year-old colt at 12f, again with the exception of Sea the Stars. That would be the G1 Irish Derby winner Fame and Glory, who will get another crack at Galileo’s half-brother – Sea the Stars! – in the Arc next month. But, back to the “Montjeu Show” over the weekend!

Let’s start off with his 3-year-old colt Jukebox Jury, who won the 12f G1 Preis Von Europa on Sunday in Germany to become Montjeu’s 14th G1 winner! On the same day in Ireland, his 2-year-old colt St Nicholas Abbey won the G2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes. This colt is now undefeated in his first 2 starts and is considered a “live” Derby prospect for next year – maybe another Fame and Glory? If this wasn’t enough, Montjeu also had the winner of Saturday’s G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes in England! What a weekend! The winner was Joshua Tree, and he also could be a potential classic horse for his sire, who has already sired two Epsom Derby winners – Motivator and Authorized! – and three Irish Derby winners – Hurricane Run, Frozen Fire, and Fame and Glory ! – from only 5 crops of 3-year-olds! That is an amazing accomplishment, and it’s the main reason why Montjeu, maybe even more than Galileo, is the premier source of Derby talent in Europe! His runners are absolutely suited for 12f, and in this regard he is his sire’s son! In fact, the average winning distance of his 69 unrestricted SWs is 11.4f!

Both Galileo and Montjeu were Derby winners for Sadler’s Wells. Galileo, like his half-brother Sea the Stars, won the Epsom Derby, as well as the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. Montjeu won the French and Irish Derbys, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, AND the Arc, as well as other G1s, too! These two stallions give Coolmore the best 1-2 punch in Europe (actually 1-2-3 when you throw in Danehill Dancer!) with both stallions standing at 125,000 euros (as well as Danehill Dancer).

The general view, splitting hairs, is that Galileo is the better stallion, because he gets a quicker horse that can win the Guineas or maybe is a better and faster 2-year-old, or a top 10f 3-year-old (like Rip Van Winkle), but in my opinion, I believe Montjeu will go down as one of the very best classic-siring stallions of all-time in Europe. His present record alone is better than lifetime totals for some, and Montjeu’s clear ability to consistently get that high-class 12f Derby type means that he doesn’t really have a peer in Europe. Mark my words!