Film producer George Waud is heading to Epsom after Maltese Cross booked his ticket to the Derby with a thrilling triumph at Lingfield. The racing owner, known for producing films such as Snakes On A Plane and Terminal, witnessed his colt edge out the determined Bay Of Brilliance in the William Hill-backed trial to earn a quote of 14-1 with William Hill for the big race on June 6.
Waud, chairman of the multi-racing syndicate Old Gold Racing, previously had a share in Grade One-placed miler Society's Chairman during his time in America and enjoyed Listed glory in Britain with Englemere at Newbury in 2024. However, Maltese Cross could be the best horse yet for the husband of celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, following positive reviews from jockey Tom Marquand about his Classic claims.
"We Are Going to the Show!"
Speaking on ITV Racing, Waud expressed his delight, thanking Sam Haggas and Gavin Chengalanee for helping source the son of Sea The Stars, a Derby winner in 2009. "It's inconceivable ending up with such a good one. It is quite emotional really. They had a feeling about him," he said.
Trainer William Haggas, who won the premier Classic with Shaamit 30 years ago, observed Maltese Cross's tenacity from the stalls. "I haven't seen it back fully, but he was very tenacious and Tom was very pleased. He said he had come forward from Newbury," Haggas noted. "He's winning his races which is great, and I think we head to Epsom. As long as the horse is fit and well, why wouldn't we?"
Derby Aspirations
Haggas acknowledged the uncertainty of trials but remains optimistic. "When you run in a trial, the Derby is the aim. No one will know what the best trial actually is until after the Derby. I don't think we have anything to lose by heading to Epsom. It's the Derby. I think the one thing he will do is stay, whether he stays quick enough is anyone's guess."
The most recent horse to win the Derby after contesting the Lingfield trial is Adayar, trained by Charlie Appleby, whose trialist Maho Bay was the favourite and finished fourth to Maltese Cross. Marquand was impressed: "He impressed me today. He had to roll his sleeves up and is extremely exciting. He'll relish the Derby trip and the track won't be a problem."
Waud previously told the Racing Post how he bought his first winner, Moonspirit, in 2023 from profits of a seven-horse accumulator at the Cheltenham Festival. That filly won a first prize of just over £4,000 and contributed to Billy Loughnane's successful apprentice title bid.
