Another outstanding performance from our Group 1-winning pinhook
MALTESE CROSS produced another commanding performance today when running out an impressive winner of the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, Gr.2, on the opening afternoon of York’s prestigious Ebor Festival.
Despite carrying a 5lb penalty for his Group 1 victory in the Grand Prix de Paris, the three-year-old son of SEA THE STARS travelled strongly throughout under Tom Marquand. After being settled just behind the leaders, he made smooth progress approaching the straight, took command two furlongs from home and stayed on powerfully to defeat Pierre Bonnard by two lengths. Derby winner Christmas Day finished a further two and a quarter lengths behind in third, as MALTESE CROSS emphatically reversed their Epsom form.
The performance provided further confirmation that MALTESE CROSS belongs among the leading three-year-old colts in Europe. Already successful in the Lingfield Derby Trial, L., runner-up in the Betfred Derby, Gr.1, and winner of the Grand Prix de Paris, Gr.1, he has now added one of Britain’s most important middle-distance trials to an exceptional record – his earnings have already passed €1.000.000.
Trainer William Haggas described the victory as “a proper Group 1 performance”, with both the Betfred St Leger, Gr.1, at Doncaster and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Gr.1, at ParisLongchamp remaining possible autumn targets.
Owned by George Waud and bred in France by Ecurie du Sud and Ecurie Gribomont, MALTESE CROSS was purchased by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK as a foal for €200,000 at the Arqana December Sale. He was subsequently raised and prepared at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before being consigned to Tattersalls Book 1, where he was sold for 350,000 guineas to Hurworth Bloodstock on behalf of his present connections.
For all at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, today’s victory represents another deeply rewarding chapter in an extraordinary journey. From promising foal and successful pinhook to Derby runner-up and multiple Pattern-race winner, MALTESE CROSS continues to demonstrate exactly what the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK programme aims to achieve.
We warmly congratulate owner George Waud, trainer William Haggas and his entire team, jockey Tom Marquand, his breeders and everyone connected with this exceptional colt.
