Only good horses win classics but yesterday's Budweiser Irish Derby had a feeling of coronation about it as Montjeu completed the French and Irish Derby double with an overpowering display of dominance.
And the clear impression that will reverberate around Europe is that he can only get better.
"It's frightening really because he has got it all," said Montjeu's trainer John Hammond who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday. Rarely has anyone received such an electrifying present.
The Irish bred Montjeu raced from last to first through the field of 10 to burst five lengths clear of the Epsom Derby runner up Daliapour with another five and a half lengths back to the best of the Irish horses Tchaikovsky.
It was a remarkable display of faith and sang-froid from the winning jockey Cash Asmussen who also rode last year's double Derby winner Dream Well. Montjeu, the well backed 13/8 favourite, is the fourth colt in all to complete the French and Irish Derby double.
Asmussen, the tall Texan with the motor-mouth of a particularly vocal rap star, was for him quite subdued in the post race celebrations but overwhelming satisfaction at a job well done.
"It's rare that anyone rides a true mile and a half stayer that can also quicken like that," Asmussen declared. "Once I had eased to the outside in the straight, I looked across at Daliapour and it felt like I had five kilos in each hand. I waited 100 metres because it's been only three weeks since the Prix du Jockey Club and he hasn't done much but then he quickened like he always does."
Montjeu, who is named after a Chateau Montjeu in Burgundy, is owned by the Coolmore Stud supremo John Magnier and by Englishman Michael Tabor in whose colours he races. A company called Tsega Ltd also have a share but when asked who owns how much of the horse, Hammond replied: "I'm not sure of the percentages but they are all great payers!"
Tabor bought into Montjeu last November in what he insisted was a "private deal" and the renowned gambler backed his superstar yesterday. "I'm pleased to say I couldn't resist the temptation of 7/4 and that's the icing on the cake," he grinned.
It was a particularly satisfying moment for Hammond however. London born but raised in Herbertstown in Co Meath, Hammond dropped out of a Business Studies course in Trinity College to pursue a career in racing and is now one of the top trainers in France.
"This is a super horse and it's a big thrill to win in Ireland with such a horse. He stays and he quickens and it's very few that can do both," Hammond said before quipping: "Montjeu was bred in Ireland and reared in France so he is a true European!"
He added: "He has always been one of those rare horses. He was a magnificent yearling when he came into training and he has always had that touch of class. The rain when it arrived was a help for the horse but it was good ground today and ideal for everyone. My gut feeling now is to take a break and then train him for the Arc."
Frenchman Gerald Mosse rode Daliapour into his second successive Derby second placing and shrugged: "Second again is so disappointing. My horse ran very well and I thought I would win in the straight but the winner is very fast."
The 1999 Irish Derby will long be remembered for confirming this opinion.
