A decision on retirement plans for Montjeu is set to be taken next week, it was revealed today.
Connections of the four-year-old have been considering the colt`s future since his half-length defeat by Kalanisi in the Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
'The horse is fine after Newmarket but whether he runs again we`ll have to see how he is,' said trainer John Hammond.
'I`ll discuss it with the owners over the next few days whether to retire him or aim him at the Breeders` Cup Turf. I would think a decision won`t be made until early next week.'
Montjeu had run well below par when bidding for a second consecutive win in the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe at the beginning of the month and he was attempting to redeem his reputation on Saturday.
'Obviously I was disappointed he got beaten at Newmarket but he`s not quite the horse he was at the height of his powers,' added the Chantilly trainer. 'We were taking a chance running him back after the Arc but he gave it his best shot.
'He ran a massive race in what I thought it was a really good Champion Stakes - one of the best for some time. Although he was second he had proper Group One horses behind him.
'To be fair to the horse there are times when has shown great brilliance and now he`s showing great durability and resilience.
'It was nice for the racing public to see a good horse like him.'
Montjeu is due to retire to Coolmore Stud next year and Hammond added: 'He`s been a lovely horse to train and we`ve appreciated having him. If we get another one like him in the next 10 years we`ll be very fortunate.'
