Montjeu Wins Prix Foy; Arc Defense Next

Montjeu rallied from last in the four-horse field to win the Prix Foy Gray d'Albion Barriere (Fr-II) by 1 1/2 lengths over Crillon Sunday at Longchamp, France. Michael Tabor's 4-year-old completed the 1 1/2 miles in 2:32 4/5 while racing over good turf. Commander Collins finished third, a short head behind Crillon. Montjeu's stablemate Stop By set the early pace before tiring, finishing 15 lengths behind Commander Collins. Mick Kinane booted home the winner.

Montjeu (Sadler's Wells -- Floripedes, by Top Ville) remains undefeated on the year. Prior to the Prix Foy, the John Hammond trainee won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (Eng-I) by 1 3/4 lengths over Saturday's Man o' War (gr. IT) winner Fantastic Light, after winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-I) and Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-I). In his next start, Montjeu is expected to defend his title in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere (Fr-I), which he won last year by a 1/2 length over El Condor Pasa. Prior to last year's Arc win, he prepped at Longchamp, winning the Prix Niel (Fr-II) by a head over Bienamado. Montjeu was bred in Ireland by Sir James Goldsmith.

Montjeu had been scheduled to race in Saturday's ESAT Digifone Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I), but was entered in this softer spot after suffering a training setback.

"He has had small ankle problems and its good to get that one out of the way," Hammond told Sporting Life. "He looks well and is moving well and I'm happy that he will be ready to run his race in the Arc."