Montjeu had to overcome a few traffic problems before recording a highly impressive return to the racecourse in the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh today.
John Hammond's star travelled sweetly throughout the contest but Mick Kinane found himself with a double handful and no where to go inside the final two furlongs as Greek Dance and Mutafaweq blocked his path.
But a gap appeared inside the last 200 yards and the pair needed no invitation, cruising through and going on to record a stunningly easy length-and-a-half victory at odds of 1/3.
John Hammond admitted to being slightly concerned about his colt finding a way through but added: 'He likes a bit of cover and Mick rode a lovely race. On occasions that happens and if gets beat he gets beat - it wouldn't have been Mick's fault.
The colt's long-term target will again be the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and Hammond has intentionally started later this year with the son of Sadler's Well.
'It was nice to get him back on the racecourse. It was great that he won today and I'm delighted.'
'The Grand Prix de Saint Cloud on July 2nd will probably be next and hopefully we will aim for the Arc again as long as he stays well.
'The King George will be his mid-season target and he will run somewhere between there and the Arc.
'He had a long year last year and I had it in my mind to start later this year. This was a suitable place to begin.
'It makes sense with all the big-money contests later in the year to start a bit later.
'He showed a lot of speed today and will be equally effective over a mile-and-a-quarter. We are lucky to have him. He is a good horse and maybe a great one.'
Mick Kinane was highly impressed with his partner and went as far to describe him as the best he has ever ridden.
'He has awesome power.' commented the jubilant rider.
