Maltese Cross added a first Group 1 victory to his record with a dramatic success in the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp on Tuesday, producing a powerful late burst to deny the gallant Ancient Egypt in the final strides. The finish reflected the quality and competitiveness of the contest, with only a head separating the first two home, followed by a neck and a head back to Alam and Varandir.

Trained in England by William Haggas and owned by George Waud, Maltese Cross arrived in Paris after finishing runner-up in the Epsom Derby. Bred in Normandy by Écurie du Sud's Christiane Rossi and her late husband Jacques Rossi, together with Jean-François Gribomont, the colt changed hands twice before reaching the track. He realised €200,000 as an Arqana foal before being purchased for 350,000 guineas at Tattersalls as a yearling.

Ancient Egypt controlled the race from the front and appeared to have repelled successive challenges from the French-trained Alam and Varandir before Maltese Cross found a decisive finishing effort through the closing stages. The winner stopped the clock in 2:24.79.

Patience Rewarded

Owner George Waud admitted the closing stages were far from comfortable as Tom Marquand searched for racing room before delivering the winning run.

"It was quite stressful, but I could see that Tom was looking for a gap. He found one, and I thought it was probably too late. But what a turn of foot he showed at the finish! He literally made up two lengths in no time at all. What a horse!" said Waud.

Marquand explained that the race unfolded differently from his original plan, forcing him to alter tactics before asking the colt for his effort. His assessment was particularly significant as it underlined his belief that the colt remains capable of further improvement.

"He is a magnificent horse and travelled extremely well throughout the race. I probably found myself one position farther back than I had expected, which then meant I had to look for a gap. He was a little slow to respond when it was time to quicken, so I could not move up ahead of the horse on his outside as I would have liked.

"In the end, I went through the middle, which suited him perfectly, even though it made things a little tight.

"He is a genuinely top-class horse and certainly has no shortage of speed over 2,400 metres. I think he showed that very clearly today, and that was already the impression he had given me in the trial at Lingfield. He finished second in the Derby and is now a Group 1 winner. His next task will be to take on the older horses."

Ancient Egypt Earns Respect in Defeat

Charlie Johnston praised Ancient Egypt's determination after the colt was narrowly denied despite setting the pace throughout.

"I am very proud of my horse, and I could not understand why the bettors had overlooked him to such an extent. He came very close to winning and was only headed in the very final stride. In the straight, when he quickened and opened up a two-length lead, I could not really see anything making up much ground at that stage."

Johnston noted that the colt repeatedly responded when challenged, highlighting the toughness he had already displayed earlier in the season.

"When Varandir drew alongside him 200 metres from the finish, I thought we might end up third or fourth. But this horse is incredibly tough, as he had already shown at Ascot. He tried to repel every challenge and very nearly succeeded. But that is racing.

"We have given him a demanding campaign, but he has improved with every run. I thought he looked absolutely magnificent today. As for the next step, I do not yet know exactly what it will be. We will discuss it with the team and see which direction they would like to take. But he will win one of these major races eventually.

"I know the team is very keen on the Champion Stakes at the end of the season, although my concern would be the likely state of the ground at that time of year. He has clearly shown that he is a very good 2,400-metre horse on fast ground and, ideally, I would like to continue giving him those conditions. I would not rule out giving him a short break now before targeting a race such as the Breeders' Cup."

Alam Set for Autumn Campaign

Third-placed Alam continued his progression despite being unable to match the finishing speed of the first two. Trainer Mikel Delzangles said the performance suggested the colt remains on an upward curve.

"Pierre-Charles Boudot told me that he was very pleased with him and that the horse had performed well, although he was still a little slow to react when the pace quickened. He did not give way and kept going all the way to the line.

"Personally, before the race, I thought he looked better than he had before the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club—not fitter, but more mature—and he should continue to improve. I do not think we will see him again this summer. He will most likely be aimed at the Qatar Prix Niel."

Maltese Cross leaves ParisLongchamp with a first Group 1 success and, based on the plans outlined by his connections, will now be tested against older opposition as his campaign moves into its next phase.