Camelot lands another major for Montjeu

Camelot posted a third posthumous Group 1 for his sire Montjeu with an imperious victory in the English Derby on Saturday.

Montjeu died at Coolmore Stud in March due to complications from septicemia.  He was only 16.

Camelot (3c Montjeu – Tarfah by Kingmambo) won the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last month and completed a G1 double in the world’s most prestigious classic.  St. Nicholas Abbey had added another for their sire when defending his Coronation Cup crown earlier in the day at Epsom Downs.

Camelot is the fourth English Derby winner for Montjeu following Motavator, Authorized and Pour Moi.  “From day one, Camelot has been exceptional,” trainer Aidan O’Brien said.  “He was very impressive as a two year-old and we were over the moon with his win in the Guineas.

“We have a lot of different options ahead.  We can go to the Irish Derby or give him a break and head for the St Leger.”

Nijinsky was the last horse claim the English Triple Crown in 1970 and bookmakers quickly installed Camelot a $1.30 favourite for the English St Leger at Doncaster in September.

O’Brien’s son Joseph rode Camelot likes an odds-on favourite at Epsom Downs and the colt won accordingly.  Settling second last behind stablemate Astrology, he claimed the pacemaker at the furlong and forged clear to score by five lengths.

Camelot was the highest priced yearling by Montjeu in 2010 making 525,000gns at the Tattersalls October yearling sale.  His dam Tarfah won a G3 at Newmarket and Listed events at Ascot and Kempton.  She has a two-year-old filly by Cape Cross and a yearling colt by Pivotal.