French and Irish Derby winner Montjeu gained a narrow victory over the hard-ridden Bienamado in the Group Two Prix Niel Majestic Barriere as the build up for next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere began in earnest at Longchamp yesterday.

Bienamado set a fair pace, with Michael Kinane happy to play a waiting game at the back of the four-runner field on Montjeu.

Kinane made his move in the straight and it looked for a second or two as though Montjeu might just struggle to reach the leader.

But under the Irishman's guiding hand the colt got up in the shadow of the post in a thrilling, if for connections and locals heart-stopping, finish.

Winning trainer John Hammond preferred yesterday's race to facing Daylami and Royal Anthem in Ireland's Esat Digifone Champion Stakes on Saturday and having declared his charge for both races received an £15,000 fine from the Irish authorities for his Leopardstown defection.

Peter Chapple-Hyam was disappointed with Bienamado's narrow head defeat but remained philosophical. "It's a shame, he said. "I had him right for the first time this season."

Montjeu's performance failed to impress the big three bookmakers with both Coral and William Hill lengthening the colt to 2 to 1 from 7 to 4 for the Arc while Ladbrokes remain at 5 to 2.

All firms have included Daylami at the head of affairs at 7 to 4 following Saturday's impressive Irish victory although both Coral and Hills offer the price with a run.

Japanese hero El Condor Pasa remains third-favourite with the trio (Ladbrokes 9 to 2, Coral 7 to 2, Hills 4 to 1) after advertising his Arc claims by landing the Group Two Prix Foy Gray D'Albion Barriere.