Imperious Montjeu a fitting 50th King George hero

In the third of a six-part series building up to the King George, we focus on the best performances in the Ascot midsummer showpiece on Racing Post Ratings. Graham Dench continues with Montjeu, who recorded a figure of 133 in 2000

There have been plenty of more flamboyant winners of the King George than Montjeu, but none has treated top-class rivals with greater disdain.

The winner of the Prix du Jockey Club, Irish Derby and Arc as a three year old, Montjeu had returned at four looking every bit as good and had barely come off the bridle in adding the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Trainer John Hammond had him in peak condition for his biggest test of the year so far, taking on classy contemporaries Fantastic Light and Daliapour, as well as Japanese three-year-old Air Shakur, in a field of seven. He was sent off at 1-3, yet not even his most ardent fans dared anticipate quite such a majestic display.

Held up at the back of the field in a race in which pacemaker Raypour set a strong gallop until Daliapour took over on the turn, Montjeu moved a little closer approaching the straight and then cruised up to the leader on the bit, with Mick Kinane motionless.

Having taken it up with more than a furlong to go Montjeu eased effortlessly clear. The winning margin of a length and three-quarters over Fantastic Light is no measure whatsoever of his superiority, even allowing for the bit of trouble Fantastic Light got into early in the straight, for he had a ton in hand.

Michael Tabor and Mick Kinane with Montjeu at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

The 50th King George had been graced by a most fitting winner, and Kinane acknowledged Montjeu was the best he had ridden.

Looking back, Kinane recalls: "I never won a big race any easier. Montjeu was imperious that day. He was at his height then, and when he was at his best he was a phenomenal racehorse.

"He had a great cruising gear, but he could really quicken into a race. He was a big, proud, and good-looking horse who knew he was special. He was a showman.

"That day he cruised up to them without me moving and treated horses of the calibre of Fantastic Light and Daliapour with contempt, never coming out of a three-parts speed. He was an armchair ride."

Racing Post Handicapper Sam Walker says.....

Montjeu arrived at Ascot as an Arc winner and with two effortless victories from two starts for the season. It was no surprise to see him go off a 1-3 favourite – and he won as expected, earning a RPR of 133.

There was a length and three-quarters back to subsequent six-time Group 1 winner Fantastic Light, but that margin could have been much bigger if Mick Kinane had wanted; instead, he stood statue still and scored on the bridle. We haven't seen many with the class to do that in a King George.

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