Maltese Cross gets revenge on Christmas Day and demonstrates his class once again

The son of Sea The Stars, hero of the Grand Prix de Paris (G1), carried a five-pound penalty and still dominated the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) at York. Pierre Bonnard finished second, while the Derby winner finished third

KNAVESMIRE, England (Special for Turf Diario).— Maltese Cross has suffered only a single defeat during 2026, and he just made sure to leave the horse responsible for it well behind him. The outstanding colt owned by George Waud delivered another masterclass performance this Wednesday at York, asserting his dominance in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2), one of the traditional stepping stones toward the St Leger (G1).

The only flaw on his record this season had been that runner-up effort behind Christmas Day (Camelot) in the Epsom Derby (G1). Since then, the pupil trained by William Haggas took another major step forward by capturing the Grand Prix de Paris (G1), and he now cemented his rise by clearly defeating that same rival, despite both carrying a five-pound penalty for their respective G1 triumphs.

Sent off as the second choice at 9-4, Maltese Cross enjoyed a picture-perfect trip. Breaking smoothly from an outside gate, he quickly settled into fourth position, sitting several lengths off Antigua (Camelot), who set a fast pace upfront.

Conserving energy all the way, the son of Sea The Stars traveled with supreme comfort and, upon entering the home stretch, began making progress in a manner that instantly made clear he had plenty of horse beneath him.

While Pierre Bonnard (Camelot) moved up to take the lead, Maltese Cross advanced under a tight hold and, just past the 400-meter pole, was unleashed after the new leader.

Once given full green light, Maltese Cross seized control and sustained his stride with immense power all the way to the wire, finishing two lengths ahead of Pierre Bonnard and leaving a magnificent impression, particularly considering he gave weight away to most of his field.

Christmas Day was by no means disgraced. The Epsom hero, also burdened by the five-pound penalty, closed with resolve to secure third place, though he finished 2 1/4 lengths behind the runner-up and never posed a threat to the horse he had defeated in the Derby.

The outcome ultimately vindicated Haggas, who prior to the race had voiced his discontent with the penalty assignment Maltese Cross had to shoulder, though he acknowledged the necessity of running in a proven trial if they intended to push forward to the St Leger (G1) or keep other top-tier options open.

And the colt delivered in the best possible manner.

His pedigree fully backs his classic stamina credentials. Maltese Cross is the third of five foals out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to several stakes horses, led by Deutsches Derby (G1) winner Nutan (Duke of Marmalade) and Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1) victress Nymphea (Dylan Thomas).

Also featured in the family is Navaro Girl (Holy Roman Emperor), a G3 winner and Prix Jean Romanet (G1) third, while his second dam, Neele (Peintre Celebre), was G3-placed.

Furthermore, Maltese Cross is a half-brother to stakes-placed Namouria (Adlerflug). His dam has an unraced 2-year-old colt named Prince Of Petra by Persian King, as well as a foal filly born this year by Charyn.

Yet beyond the pedigree and future prospects, York delivered one absolute certainty.

Maltese Cross not only confirmed that his Grand Prix de Paris victory was the step of a horse in rapid progression: he also succeeded in securing revenge against the only rival capable of defeating him all season long.

Christmas Day had won the first battle at Epsom. This time, with both carrying the same G1 penalty, Maltese Crossleft no doubt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMN3PKyc6c8