WHEN the Group 1 Derby runner-up Maltese Cross passed the post in front after the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris, there was much to celebrate about the victory.

One reason was that the son of Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) is the 25th Group or Grade 1 winner by his Gilltown Stud-based sire, marking a landmark achievement for the brilliant six-time winner at the highest level. Days later, and that tally rose to 26, thanks to Johanna Walsh. The win in France had further significance as this was the first Group 1 success as a broodmare sire for Camelot (Montjeu). Maltese Cross was second to Camelot’s son Christmas Day at Epsom, and that winner is out of a daughter of the Gilltown stallion.