Having produced classics such as Snakes On A Plane, Terminal and The Ghost Of Richard Harris, George Waud is dreaming of further classic glory in the equine form of the Epsom Derby. The leading Hollywood film producer owns the William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross, who looks to follow up his Lingfield Trial victory.
The Sea The Stars colt took his record to 2111 when beating Bay Of Brilliance by a neck. He’ll have to become the fifth horse to defy stall one, but Adayar and City Of Troy were able to in 2021 and 2023.
Speaking to Racing Post reporter Matt Rennie, George Waud said: “It’s a mixture of anticipation and terror! It’s nearly impossible to describe. I thought the wait over winter was a long time, but the last three weeks have gone on forever.
“It’s been a dream of mine. It’s a total honour to have a horse good enough to run in a Derby. I said to Sam Haggas, my bloodstock man, and Gavin Chengalanee, who helps me manage the string, I’ve never really had a stayer and I’d love to have a shot at the Derby – then Sam found Maltese Cross.
“Everyone I know is really excited about it. It’s one of those lifetime achievements ticked off. It’d probably be my greatest achievement.”
“It wouldn’t be the Derby if it wasn’t difficult” – George Waud
The draw in stall one has historically been a tough one to overcome. William Haggas’ Derby winner Shaamit came from stall nine in 1996, with five winners coming from there. Bay Of Brilliance is drawn in 9, who was defeated by a neck by Maltese Cross at Lingfield. Stall 10 has been the favourable pitch, with 12 winners coming from there since 1967. Ancient Egypt birthed the lucky number, who like Maltese Cross, defeated My Love Is King albeit by further this season.
Waud is aware of the hardships required to win the Derby, as he continued: “It’s the ultimate test and so it should be, because you’re asking your horse to be incredibly agile. And you’re asking them to have speed on top of all that. It wouldn’t be the Derby if it wasn’t difficult.
“A lot of people say I’m a lucky owner and I’ll take it, but it’s a slight disservice to call it just that. I have fine horsemen and women I work with.
“He’s ready to run. He ran very nicely on good to soft at Ascot first time out. You’ve just got to take what you get given, don’t you? He’s definitely running come rain or shine. It’s that one shot.”