Patience pays as Le Metayer unearths another staying star

A dominant display at Flemington on Saturday saw progressive stayer Mr Monaco become the latest horse to secure a ballot exemption for this year’s Melbourne Cup, and the man responsible for bringing him to Australia is quietly confident that he represents his best chance to date of winning the race that stops a nation.

Astute Bloodstock’s Louis Le Metayer purchased Mr Monaco in conjunction with his all-conquering trainer Ciaron Maher for 410,000 guineas (approximately AU$820,000) at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale in 2024, with the objective of competing in Australia’s premier staying races.

That objective has been achieved in no uncertain terms, and the six-year-old gelding is now assured of his place in Australia’s most famous race courtesy of his 1.25 length victory over fellow Cup fancy Litzdeel in Saturday’s Group 3 Bart Cummings - one of the nine win-and-you’re-in races for the Melbourne Cup. 

“It was a very dominant performance from a wide gate and he was very impressive,” Le Metayer said.

“We’ve always had a lot of belief in the horse, but he’s obviously a better 2500m horse than he is a 2000m horse.

“He only arrived in Victoria on Wednesday, so a big thank you to the Ciaron Maher team in Syndey because they’re the ones who have done all the work. The VRC looked after us beautifully on the day as well.

“It’s exciting to be in the (Melbourne) Cup with a horse that has got the momentum. It’s a huge thrill.”

The Moonee Valley Gold Cup, which will be run at Flemington this year over the same course and distance as Saturday’s Bart Cummings, is likely to be the next port of call for Mr Monaco, with connections preferring a slightly softer final lead-in to the Melbourne Cup than what he would likely face in Saturday week’s Caulfield Cup.

Having successfully overcome a tricky draw on the weekend, exciting young apprentice Jabez Johnstone is set to keep the ride aboard the son of Territories, whose ownership group includes the likes of Blueblood Thoroughbreds, Francis and Christine Cook and last year’s Melbourne Cup-winning owner Antanas Guoga – better known as “Tony G”.

While Mr Monaco’s only previous attempt at two miles was a disappointing one when strongly fancied for the Sydney Cup earlier this year, Le Metayer is confident that he will see out the trip come Melbourne Cup Day – especially if the heavens open.

“He went a bit keen in the Sydney Cup and he didn’t finish off, but we’ve always thought he would stay two miles,” he said.

“You never really know until they do it, but he’s one that we think has the staying power and he’s advantaged by the fact that he handles the wet.

“We loved his form in England and he’s a magnificent, big horse with a lot of substance about him.

“We won’t be confident because you can never be confident in a Melbourne Cup, but if we get a good draw we’ll be pretty excited on the day.

“I think he might be our best chance of winning a Melbourne Cup to date.”

Le Metayer is no stranger to success in Australia’s premier staying contests, having previously sourced the likes of dual Australian Cup hero Harlem, multiple stakes winner Eliyass and Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Ventura Storm from overseas.

Of the 18 horses sourced by Le Metayer that are aged three and above and currently in work, nine are metropolitan class and six are stakes class, a record the Frenchman is understandably very proud of.

But while Le Metayer’s reputation as a leading bloodstock agent continues to grow, the Astute Bloodstock brand remains committed to prioritising quality over quantity, underpinned by the principles of patience and a deep appreciation of the animal.

“The most important philosophy for me is that people who work with me have got to love horses,” Le Metayer added.

“The reason I work in this industry is because I love horses. I grew up with them and I owe them everything.

“Even though we buy and sell horses for a living, they are not a commodity to us. We also manage their career and if the horse is healthy, happy and not over-taxed, then they will perform better.

“We believe what’s best for the horse is always best for the owner. Horses take you on a wonderful journey of ups and downs, but when it all comes together it’s the best feeling.”