Coolmore sire Montjeu confirmed his status a pre-eminent sire of stayers when Fame And Glory won the G1 Ascot Gold Cup over 4000 metres on Thursday.

Fame And Glory (5h Montjeu – Gryada by Shirley Heights) settled midfield along the rail before Jamie Spencer angled him off the fence to challenge front-runner Duncan in the straight.  They duelled briefly before Fame And Glory powered home to win by three lengths.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien had claimed four Gold Cups for Coolmore with Yeats from 2006 to 2009.  “I just want to thank everyone for letting a horse with his class to run in the Gold Cup.  We’ll give him a break now and then bring him back for the Arc de Triomphe.  And he will be back here next year.”

Fame And Glory was sent off as the 11-8 favourite after Listed victories in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan and Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown.  He had won the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup and G1 Coronation Cup last year.

The Montjeu colt was bought by Tim Hyde for 190,000 gns at the 2006 Tattersalls December foal sale.  He is owned by Coolmore trio Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor.  The partnership was joined by Jim and Fitri Hay earlier this year.

Fame And Glory was bred in England by Ptarmigan Bloodstock and Kirsten Rausing.  He is out of the Italian G3 performer Gryada who comes from a stout German family.

The Ascot Gold Cup continues a milestone year for Montjeu.  He has also sired G1 English Derby winner Pour Moi and G1 Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey.

Montjeu shuttled from Coolmore to Windsor Park until 2004.  His Australian / NZ stakes winners this season include Wall Street, Gondorff, Harris Tweed, Montahlia, Mr Tipsy and The Meista.