Maltese Cross, a horse with a troubled passage, emerged victorious in the prestigious Cygames Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp, silencing doubters and critics alike. Sent off as the 11/4 second favorite under Tom Marquand, Maltese Cross faced a formidable field, including Alam, the Prix du Jockey Club fifth-place finisher, and Limestone, the Queen's Vase winner. The race began with Causeway and Ancient Egypt setting the pace, but Ancient Egypt soon took the lead, with Maltese Cross in a challenging position. Despite the odds, Maltese Cross demonstrated resilience and determination, waiting for the perfect opening under Marquand's guidance. In a thrilling finish, Maltese Cross emerged by a head, with Ancient Egypt holding on for second place, Alam in third, and Varandir in fourth. This victory marks a significant achievement for trainer William Haggas and his stable, securing their second Group 1 win of the year after Almeraq's triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Haggas expressed her excitement and relief, praising Maltese Cross's performance and resilience. She highlighted the horse's ability to navigate through difficult positions and its strong will to win. Haggas also acknowledged the challenging nature of the race, stating that it was a messy affair, but Maltese Cross rose to the occasion. She believes that the best is yet to come for Maltese Cross, especially as a four-year-old, and expressed her joy at winning a Group 1 race at such a young age.
Charlie Johnston, the runner-up trainer, displayed pride in his horse, Causeway. Johnston noted that Causeway was underestimated, with odds of 9/4, while Sons And Lovers were 20/1. Despite the initial setback, Causeway nearly demonstrated its potential. Johnston praised the horse's toughness and expressed interest in its stallion potential, suggesting that it might excel at a mile and a half on fast ground. The team aims to continue training Sons And Lovers at this trip, and the next move for Causeway remains uncertain.
The race also featured Limestone, who struggled to gain momentum under Joseph O'Brien's guidance. Causeway, unfortunately, fell away to finish last. However, Joseph O'Brien's fortunes changed when his horse, Sons And Lovers, held on for a remarkable victory in the Group 2 Radio FG - Prix Maurice de Nieuil. Dylan Browne McMonagle made the running, but Sons And Lovers displayed incredible grit and determination, battling back from a challenging position to secure a tight win over Parachutiste and Double Major.
These outcomes showcase the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing, where resilience, determination, and a strong will to win can overcome challenging circumstances. The victories of Maltese Cross and Sons And Lovers demonstrate the importance of perseverance and the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion. As the racing season progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling moments and unexpected triumphs as horses and jockeys strive for glory.
