He became the 25th Group 1 winner for his sire Sea The Stars, who also won this race with Sosie in 2024.

“It was an awesome performance – he was super-tough to get through the gap, as there wasn't much space,” said winning jockey Tom Marquand. “It's a big day in France and it's great to win this, it's an awesome piece of training by the team.”

He continued: “He is a genuinely top-class horse and certainly has no shortage of speed over 2400 metres.”

Maltese Cross was bred by Ecurie Du Sud & Ecurie Gribomont, selling for €200,000 as a foal at the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale to Stauffenberg Bloodstock. He was reoffered as a Tattersalls Book 1 yearling, where he fetched 350,000 guineas.

Owner George Waud said after the race: “Time and time again, he delivers because he has all the ability but also such a good brain. He knew what was going on and he made the space for Tom. Second in the Derby was one of the best days of my life, but winning a Group 1 is comparable.”

Maureen Haggas, wife of trainer William, added: “I thought he did unbelievably well to win from a difficult position. He does like something to aim at and he's tough and has a strong will-to-win, which is one of his greatest attributes. Tom said it was messy, but he can squirm through those gaps. 

“It's the first time he's travelled, and he's taken the whole experience in his stride and was very cool tonight even though it was hot. We always felt he'd be a very nice four-year-old and that the best was yet to come, so there are a lot of positive things to take out of this.”