Maltese Cross bypasses the St Leger to chase glory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

William Haggas confirmed that the outstanding son of Sea The Stars will miss the historic 250th running of the Doncaster classic and will instead be kept fresh for ParisLongchamp. Runner-up in the Epsom Derby, hero of the Grand Prix de Paris, and recent winner of the Great Voltigeur Stakes, he is set to return to the course where he has already shined

NEWMARKET, England (Special for Turf Diario).— The temptation was immense. It is not every day that the 250th running of the St Leger (G1) takes place, let alone having one of its leading contenders in the barn. Nevertheless, trainer William Haggas chose to look at the bigger picture with Maltese Cross, electing to bypass the Doncaster classic in favor of aiming directly for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

The son of Sea The Stars has put together a stellar campaign, with his sole setback of 2026 coming in the Epsom Derby (G1), where he finished a heroic second behind Christmas Day (Camelot). He hasn't missed a beat since.

First, he traveled to France to capture the Grand Prix de Paris (G1) over 2,400 meters at ParisLongchamp—the exact distance and course he will encounter in the Arc. Then, just last week, he showcased his supreme class once again by landing the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) at York, successfully turning the tables on Christmas Day.

Following that victory, Haggas, a proud Yorkshireman, resisted the urge to make an immediate call. Doncaster and Paris were both on the table, and the trainer preferred to give the horse a few days before charting the next move.

Now, the decision is final. “We are very mindful of the history of the St Leger, and with it being the 250th running, it was very tempting, but we felt that the extra time would be beneficial. So, all being well, he will go to Paris on the first Sunday in October,” Haggas explained to Sportinglife.com.

The logic behind the move is undeniable. Rather than tackling the gruelling 2,900 meters of the St Leger and returning to action just a few weeks later, Maltese Cross will arrive fresh for the Arc, benefiting further from his proven affinity for both the track and distance.

His triumph in the Grand Prix de Paris confirmed that ParisLongchamp suits him to perfection. On the heels of his impressive showing at York, his credentials grow stronger by the day as one of the 3-year-olds capable of making a serious impact against older horses in Europe's most prestigious event.

Haggas also mapped out plans for Infraad (Ghaiyyath), his other St Leger entry. The recent Melrose Handicapwinner will likewise skip Doncaster, remaining in reserve for the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on October 2.

In doing so, Haggas forfeits two strong hands for a historic renewal of the St Leger, choosing instead to prioritize long-term targets. With Maltese Cross, the stakes could not be higher.

The colt has already conquered ParisLongchamp once. Now, he returns refreshed and ready to tackle an even grander challenge: the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.