by Myra Lewyn

The Aga Khan’s Montmartre powered clear in the final 200 meters and scored a convincing victory in the $955,440 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1), the highlight of Bastille Day celebrations at Longchamp on Monday.

The three-year-old Montjeu (Ire) colt, whose chances in the Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-G1) (French Derby) on June 16 were compromised by pre-race jitters, ably atoned for his unplaced finish in the classic when stepping up and comfortably winning his group race in the 2,400 meters (11.93 furlongs) Prix du Lys (Fr-G3) on June 19 in his previous start.

With regular jockey Christophe Soumillon in the saddle on Monday, Montmartre kept the momentum going, despite showing some angst before the start, racing forwardly in the early stages as William Hogarth and stablemate Sindajan laid down a strong pace.

Soumillon urged for Montmartre’s rally two furlongs out and the gray colt smartly responded and surged clear before the rider geared him down in the closing stages and won by four lengths.

Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, Montmartre covered 2,400 meters in 2:26.20 on turf rated as good.

Prospect Wells accelerated from the back of the field to finish second, a half-length in front of third-placed finisher Magadan.
 
“We always knew he was good, but he’s not easy to train,” the Aga Khan told Racing Post, adding the Montmartre could join unbeaten filly Zarkava for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, (Fr-G1), the world’s richest turf race, on October 5. “He got a little nervous in the [post] parade but was fine afterward.”

Montmartre, who was bred in France by Jean-Luc Lagardere’s breeding operation, was unraced as a two-year-old. He is out of Group 3 winner Artistique (Ire), by Linamix.

Myra Lewyn in a Thoroughbred Times Today editor