Tight finale in Class A1 race

Yesterday's eighth autumn meeting consisted of eight trotting scratch events on the rather long 2,640-metre distance. There was also a flat race in store. This was run over the short 1,200m. The main events were the Class A1 race and two Class A races.

First position during the Class A1 race was occupied, at one time or another, by five different trotters.

At the entrance to the final straight the tussle for first place appeared to be reserved between Lurifax Sund and Eh Passionnant.

However, these two horses lost ground at the crucial stage of the course with RMC Mystic and Tank PA Frokjar dashing close together to the post. First place eventually went to Julian Farrugia's RMC Mystic. Sansirosan was third behind Tank PA Frokjar.

Top favourite Fiston Brehalais, under the charge of champion driver Noel Baldacchino, then went on to register its seventh win in as many races in Malta. However, Fiston Brehalais had to go all out to overcome the then leading horse, Don Boy, just on the finishing line.

The other Class A race earlier on was won by Eperon D'Avallon, also driven by Baldacchino, after taking the lead midway through the distance. In this race, mare Julia Spider took second place ahead of Linus Car.

There was an interesting finish to the flat race as Suberto and Managing Director went rushing to the post. In the end it was Suberto which just edged its rival to the post. Demis Zammit was riding the winning horse.

The meeting's best driver yesterday was Baldacchino with three wins. The next meeting at Marsa is scheduled for Sunday.

Yesterday's Winners

Race 1, Class D - Newton (J. Farrugia).
Race 2, Class C - Famous Fruit (K. Sciberras).
Race 3, Class B - Junior League (N. Baldacchino).
Race 4, Class A - Eperon D'Avallon (N. Baldacchino).
Race 5, Class A1 - RMC Mystic (J. Farrugia).
Race 6, Class A - Fiston Brehalais (N. Baldacchino).
Race 7, flat - Suberto (D. Zammit).
Race 8, Class C - Esard (J. Bartolo).
Race 9, Class B - Quick Debbie (J. Scicluna).