Maltese Cross Ran into All Kinds of Trouble... and Still Captured the Grand Prix de Paris
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The colt, coming off a runner-up finish in the Epsom Derby (G1), put his class on full display to shine on the turf of ParisLongchamp
PARIS, France (Special for Turf Diario).— When a trip plagued by traffic troubles seemed to seal his fate, Maltese Cross dug deep, displaying immense class and a massive heart to capture the Grand Prix de Paris (G1-2400m) at Longchamp, delivering trainer William Haggas his first-ever victory in one of the crown jewels of the French summer.
Coming off a runner-up finish behind Christmas Day (Camelot) in the Epsom Derby (G1), the son of Sea The Starsconfirmed his status among the elite of the 3-year-old staying division. With Tom Marquand in the irons, Maltese Cross spent a major portion of the journey searching for racing room that never materialized, pinned against the rails and finding one dead end after another while Causeway (Wootton Bassett) set the pace and Ancient Egypt (Frankel) took command in the straight.
As the new leader appeared poised to escape to victory, Maltese Cross was still unable to launch his run. It was only inside the final 300 meters that a seam finally opened—just enough for the favorite to bravely squeeze through and unleash a devastating turn of foot, catching Ancient Egypt virtually on the wire to secure a stellar 1-2 finish for Great Britain.
"He did incredibly well from a very difficult position," said Maureen Haggas, wife and assistant to the trainer. "He had a horse on his outside trying to shut down every avenue, but he loves having a target in front of him and he is brave enough to go through any small gap. He is extremely tough and has a tremendous will to win, which is one of his greatest virtues."
The victory marked the first British triumph in the Grand Prix de Paris since Hurricane Lane (Frankel) in 2021, validating the high regard the Haggas stable has held for the colt since his standout effort at Epsom.
"We always felt he hadn't fully shown his true potential yet," Maureen added. "We expect him to be an extraordinary 4-year-old, so winning a Grade 1 now is fantastic."
Owner George Waud, the prominent Hollywood producer, was equally thrilled. "He has an exceptional mind. I saw Tom completely boxed in looking for a way out, but the horse himself created the space. He understands racing perfectly, and once he found the gap, he accelerated beautifully. Running second in the Derby was one of the best days of my life, but winning a Grade 1 is right up there."
The other standout performer of the race was Ancient Egypt, who narrowly missed a major top-level victory after previously finishing second to Causeway in the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot. "I'm very proud of him," trainer Charlie Johnston noted. "Once again he was underestimated, and he came within a whisker of showing everyone how good he is. He proved he belongs at the Group 1 level."
