- Epsom Derby runner-up could head to the Curragh
- Grand Prix de Paris also being considered for Maltese Cross
- Haggas looking for first Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris wins
William Haggas is weighing up the Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris for Maltese Cross after the Sea The Stars colt finished second to Christmas Day in the Betfred Derby at Epsom.
Haggas weighs next move for Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross could head to either the Irish Derby (28th June) or the Grand Prix de Paris (14th July) after his strong runner-up effort in the Betfred Derby, with William Haggas leaving both options open for one of the most progressive colts in his yard.
On Monday, Thoroughbred Daily News reported that Haggas is considering the Curragh Classic, but also views Paris as an obvious possibility because it would give Maltese Cross more recovery time after what the trainer described as a hard race at Epsom.
With the gap between the two races two weeks – meaning if Maltese Cross did head to France, he’d have an extra two weeks to freshen up.
The Irish Derby has been won by trainer Aidan O’Brien for the last three seasons and a record 17 times in total.
While William Haggas is yet to win the Curragh Classic, with the last British-trained winner Westover in 2022 for Ralph Beckett.
The 2026 Irish Derby betting odds sees Epsom hero Christmas Day and Benvenuto Cellini heading the market at 3/1 with Midnite.
Christmas Day will be looking to follow last year’s Epsom Derby winner Lambourn and land both races.
Maltese Cross is also around 6/1 for the St Leger at Doncaster in September – the final of the English Classics this season.
WATCH: Maltese Cross Running Second In The 2026 Epsom Derby
Paris may offer extra breathing room
Other horse racing news on this story, Haggas told TDN that the Irish Derby is only three weeks after Epsom, while the Grand Prix de Paris (14th July, 2026) gives the colt longer to come forward.
He also noted Maltese Cross has French premiums, adding another practical reason why the Paris route is under consideration.
The Irish Derby remains in the mix, not least because Haggas said Maltese Cross’s Lingfield Derby Trial win and Derby top-four finish effectively give him access to the Curragh race without a net supplementary cost if connections choose that route.
For now, the key point is that Haggas is not rushing the call.
The trainer’s comments point to a colt who has earned his place at Group 1 level, but whose next target will depend on how he comes out of Epsom.
Ahead of the Grand Prix de Paris 2026, it’s a race trainer André Fabre has won 14 times in the past and another prize William Haggas is yet to land.
The last British-trained winner of the Longchamp race was Hurricane Lane in 2021 for Charlie Appleby.
Irish Derby 2026 Betting Odds
- Christmas Day 3/1
- Benvenuto Cellini 3/1
- Raaheeb 6/1
- James J Braddock 7/1
- Constitution River 7/1
- A Boy Named Susie 10/1
- Montreal 10/1
- Hawk Mountain 10/1
- Causeway 12/1
