Top thoroughbred stallion Montjeu dies aged 16

The outstanding thoroughbred stallion Montjeu has died aged 16.

The sire of three Epsom Derby winners – including last year’s winner Pour Moi – died today (Thursday 29 March) at Coolmore Stud in Ireland.

His death follows a short illness due to complications arising from “overwhelming septicaemia”.

“Montjeu was one of the best stallions in the world and in 2011 he sired 15 individual Group/Graded winners in the northern hemisphere, which was the equal of Galileo,” read statement from Coolmore today.

The stallion, by Sadler’s Wells and out of the Top Ville mare Floripedes, was bred by Sir James Goldsmith and owned by Michael Tabor. He will be remembered for victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and French and Irish Derbies.

Montjeu’s offspring include Hurricane Run (2005 Arc) Motivator (2005 Derby), Scorpion (2005 St Leger), Authorized (2007 Derby), Fame And Glory (2009 Irish Derby) and Hurricane Fly (2011 Champion Hurdle).

And his son Camelot, trained by Aidan O’Brien, is favourite for the 2012 Classics after his impressive Group One win at Doncaster in October.

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