First runner out of Mabs Cross wins

Tweenhills-bred Montpellier gave his Gr.1-winning dam Mabs Cross a perfect start to her career as a broodmare when he made a winning debut at Thirsk on Saturday. The first runner out of the mare, Montpellier despatched 14 rivals with the minimum of fuss in a 7f maiden and looks a horse to follow. 

Montpellier lined up as an 18/5 shot for James Ferguson and Daniel Muscutt at Thirsk and knew his job, always handy and striding clear late on to win by 2 lengths. It was a performance that was worth the wait and the future looks very bright, as it should be for one with his breeding.

He’s by Wotton Bassett and out of Mabs Cross, who Qatar Racing purchased privately in December 2019. Mabs Cross had been led out unsold at 1,100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale, and Qatar Racing subsequently agreed a deal with the mare's owner-breeders David and Emma Armstrong.

Mabs Cross was, of course, a Gr.1-winning sprinter as she won the 2018 Prix de l’Abbaye. She also recorded 3 others Stakes wins, despite having started her winning streak with success in a Newcastle maiden and off 74 in a Windsor handicap. Mabs Cross has a 2yo Mehmas filly.