Second behind Tarzino in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and fourth in the Group I The BMW when trained by Anthony Cummings, Montaigne was sent to Hong Kong and renamed Beauty Generation.
Transferred to John Moore, Beauty Generation found Rapper Dragon and Pakistan Star too big a hurdle in the HK Derby in March but he had his moment in the sun nine months later in Sunday's Group 1 The Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.
The story of the race is easily told.
Derek Leung sent the son of Road To Rock straight to the lead and he proceeded to gallop his rivals into submission.
The John Size-trained Western Express with Sam Clipperton on board came closest at the finish to be beaten a length with the John Moore-trained Helene Paragon (FR) (Polan) in third. (photos Grant Courtney)
"Everything was going smooth and I decided to go a bit earlier because my horse is a bit one-paced," Leung said.
"I'm absolutely thrilled and thank the trainer and owners for giving me the ride."
Bred by Nearco Stud, Beauty Generation was offered by Highden Park at the 2014 NZB Select Sale, where he was knocked down to Hermes Syndications for $60,000.
He is the third foal of the unraced Bel Esprit mare Stylish Bell who is a half-sister to stakes winners Victory Trump (Euclase) and Savage Attack (Made Of Gold).
Beauty Generation becomes the first Group 1 winner for the Group 1 AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Group 1 AJC George Main Stakes winner Road To Rock (Encosta e Lago) who stands at Wellfield Stud where his 2017 Fee was set at $4,500 + GST.
