"He will head to Paris" - Maltese Cross being primed for the Arc

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Wed 26 Aug 2026 10:30

Jon Vine 3 hours ago

Share this article

Maltese Cross will skip the St Leger and aim for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Colt has proven form in Group One races, including victory at Longchamp
Currently sits second in Arc betting, behind only defending champ Daryz

Maltese Cross winning at York. (Getty)

William Haggas has announced that Group One winner Maltese Cross is being trained for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Maltese Cross shot to prominence earlier this season when finishing second to Christmas Day in the Epsom Derby. Tom Marquand's mount then went one better on his French debut at Longchamp, landing the Grand Prix de Paris to open his account at Group One level.

After a mid-season break, Maltese Cross returned to action in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Despite a Group One penalty and a squad of Ballydoyle horses entered against him, Haggas' star proved he was one of Britain's leading three-year-olds by beating Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard.

The Great Voltigeur has often been used as a trial for the St Leger. Maltese Cross was entered in the final Classic of the season, and topped the betting after his victory at York. However, Haggas spoke to the press on Monday and revealed that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was his number one target.

"We've decided to bypass the St Leger and aim Maltese Cross at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe," Haggas said.

"We're very conscious of the history of the St Leger and this being the 250th anniversary. The challenge was very tempting, but it was felt that the extra time would be beneficial, so, all being well, he will head to Paris on the first Sunday in October."

"Our other St Leger entry, Infraad, will next run in the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on October 2. Both colts will therefore be scratched from the St Leger at tomorrow’s forfeit stage."

I doubt many will have been surprised by that decision. The draw of the St Leger has diminished steadily over the past couple of decades, and the prize money on offer in Europe's richest Flat race is hard to turn down, especially when Maltese Cross has already proven himself over the Arc course and distance.

In his absence, Christmas Day now tops the St Leger betting, with Gordon Stakes winner Enceladus likely to rival Aidan O'Brien's star for favouritism. You can find the latest betting for the 2026 St Leger here on our website.

Meanwhile, only defending champion Daryz sits higher than Maltese Cross in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe betting. Tom Marquand's mount can be backed at 6/1, and sits ahead of Kalpana, Item, Thundering On and Estrange in the market.