06/06/26 Maltese Cross Delivers Sensational Derby Performance with Runner-Up Finish at Epsom

A remarkable moment for Stauffenberg Bloodstock as Maltese Cross finishes second in the 2026 Betfred Derby

Maltese Cross finished 2nd in the Betfred Derby Photo by Jim Clark
Maltese Cross finished 2nd in the Betfred Derby behind Christmas Day
Maltese Cross with Philipp Graf Stauffenberg after finishing 2nd in the Betfred Derby Photo by Jim Clark
Maltese Cross with Philipp Graf Stauffenberg after finishing 2nd in the Betfred Derby

MALTESE CROSS produced a phantastic performance in the 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom, finishing a magnificent second behind Christmas Day in one of the world’s most prestigious Flat races. Although victory ultimately went to the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner, MALTESE CROSS’s runner-up finish represents an outstanding achievement and a truly special moment for the whole team at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK.

The 2026 Betfred Derby was won by Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan and trained by Aidan O’Brien, with MALTESE CROSS taking second place and James J Braddock finishing third in a race run in demanding conditions at Epsom Downs. MALTESE CROSS is owned by Hollywood producer George Waud, trained by William Haggas in Newmarket and was ridden by Tom Marquand.

For STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, the result was far more than just a placing. It was the culmination of a remarkable journey with a colt who had already shown Classic potential when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial and earning his place in the Derby field. MALTESE CROSS, a son of SEA THE STARSs out of NABATEA by CAMELOT, had been bought by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK as a foal at Arqana for €200,000, raised at  their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and later consigned and sold as a yearling at Tattersalls Book 1 for 350,000 guineas to Hurworth Bloodstock on behalf of his connections — a story that underlines the strength of the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK programme and its ability to identify and develop top-class talent.

To see MALTESE CROSS line up at Epsom with a genuine chance was already something extraordinary. To watch him run such a brave and high-class race on Derby day, finishing second in the greatest Classic of them all, made the occasion unforgettable.

“Even though he did not win, this was an incredible achievement,” said Philipp Graf von Stauffenberg. “I had made the journey to Epsom Derby Day for the first time, because as a German you very rarely get the chance to experience the English Derby with a runner who has a real winning chance. I went only once there before for the Oaks when our homebred Four Sins finished fourth in the silks of HH The Aga Khan back in 2007. These are the kind of moments you simply cannot miss. Maltese Cross ran a sensational race and gave us all a day we will never forget.”

The Derby remains one of the most important and historic races in international racing. Simply having a horse connected to a German bloodstock operation compete on this stage is rare enough; to be represented by a colt capable of finishing second in such a race is exceptional.

MALTESE CROSS had come into the Derby as one of the interesting contenders following his victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial, where he showed both quality and determination. At Epsom, he confirmed that promise at the very highest level. In a field of Classic colts, under the unique pressure of Derby day, he proved that he belonged among the best of his generation.

For the whole team of STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, MALTESE CROSS’s performance provides another outstanding highlight. The colt’s development from a carefully selected foal into a Derby runner-up is a powerful example of what can be achieved through judgement, patience and belief.

“Of course, when you finish second in the Derby, there is always a small feeling of what might have been,” Stauffenberg added. “But that is quickly replaced by pride. To finish second in the Derby is a fantastic result. We are extremely proud to have been part of his story. It is a landmark moment on one of the sport’s greatest stages.”

A Derby runner-up. A sensational performance. And an unforgettable day for everyone connected with MALTESE CROSS.

08.06.2026