Outsider tops Premier Class

Yesterday's meeting at the Marsa Racetrack was quite interesting considering the card included a Premier Class race, three events from the Gold Division and two from Silver, all on the 2,140m distance.

There was also a flat race, open to A and B Classes running together over the 1,250-metre distance. Noel Baldacchino was the meeting's best driver yesterday with two wins.

Eleven-year-old French outsider Jojolet, driven by Benny Briffa, got its first win in Malta when placing first in the Premier Class race, the programme's main event.

Although always in the lead, it was not easy at the end for Jojolet as it was strongly attacked by the more-quoted Hirican De Brehan that, in the end, had to settle for second place. Power Cape, coming from a win in its previous outing, was third. The race winner clocked 1'15.6'' per kilometre.

Noel Baldacchino's Permit Hanover had no difficulty winning the Gold 2 race. Leading from start to finish, at the post Permit Hanover was a length and a half ahead of second horse in, the veteran Faverol. Iras Du Bottey was third.

Joyful De Douetil, in its third race at Marsa and directed by Jesmond Attard, registered a four-length victory in the Gold 4 race after jumping into the lead a lap from home.

Joyful De Douetil was followed past the post by Jean Perrine, second, and Rybo Celion, third.

In the second Gold 4 race, the photo-finish had to be consulted to determine a winner. Emil Brebro led for most of the distance but passed the post together with Lianger. The verdict went in favour of Carl Caruana's Emil Brebro. Lianger was eventually disqualified. Consequently, Improve Simb and Josepha Du Hainaut were awarded second and third places respectively.

Kohima, a Class B mare, won the flat race. Its jockey, Eric Zammit, managed to keep Kohima in the lead all the time. Aube Rose was second and Generous Spirit third.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. Being Easter, women and children will be admitted free. The programme will include the final of the HSBC Cup.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Bronze 5 - Smokin Brodde (N. Baldacchino).
Race 2: Bronze 3 - Super Chic (M. Ellul).
Race 3: Gold 4 - Joyful De Douetil (J. Attard).
Race 4: Flat Classes A/B - Kohima (E. Zammit).
Race 5: Gold 2 - Permit Hanover (N. Baldacchino).
Race 6: Premier - Jojolet (B. Briffa).
Race 7: Gold 4 - Emil Brebro (C. Caruana).
Race 8: Silver 4 - Carmolas Prick (T. Demanuele).
Race 9: Silver 2 - Sorrento (R. Gatt).