Caruana wins international event

The 39th meeting of the season offered a varied programme.

Yesterday's card featured an amateur international trotting race for Maltese and Swedish drivers on 2,140m, three flat events, one of which was reserved for mares, all on the 1,250m distance plus six normal trotting races on 2,140m which included one Premier and one Silver event.

In the amateur international race, Lac Megantic, driven by Maltese driver Carl Caruana, led from start to finish. It was followed across the finishing line by compatriot Alan Agius's Olga Stremline while third place went to Poppsson, driven by Sweden's S.O. Faberberg.

Joker De Choisel set the pace for most of the distance in the Premier division but In Vitro du Bourg, under the charge of Ivan Bilocca, caught up with the erstwhile leader in the final straight.

A tight duel between these two trotters ensued but it was In Vitro du Bourg that claimed victory. Kamis de l'Eveche was third horse in.

In the Gold race, nothing separated newcomer Nolan Streamline and Kaki du Vivier at the post. Thus, the photo finish had to be consulted and the verdict went in favour of the former. Emil Brebro was third.

In the Flat class A event, the ever popular Managing Director, under the control of Michael Sultana, had to go all out in the final metres to win by a head over Kharsak. Monasshee Prince was a close third.

There was an accident in the Flat class B race when two horses touched each other resulting in Ramon Grima ending on the ground. Grima was reported to have suffered no serious injuries. Earlier in the meeting, Grima had been victorious on Maria La Perfida in the flat race for mares.

Demis Zammit guided newcomer Mean Mr Mustard to a commanding victory in the class B race.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 1.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, 2,140m, King T.D.I. (D. Ellul).
Race 2: Copper, 2,140m, Vasterbo Lymmel (R. Clifton).
Race 3: Flat Mares, 1,250m, Maria La Perfida (R. Grima).
Race 4: Amateur International (Malta-Eskilstuna), 2,140m Lac Megantic (C. Caruana).
Race 5: Flat Class A, 1,250m, Managing Director (M. Sultana).
Race 6: Bronze, 2,140m, Dark Oman (M. Desira).
Race 7: Premier, 2,140m, In Vitro du Bourg (I. Bilocca).
Race 8: Flat Class, 1,250m, Mean Mr Mustard (D. Zammit).
Race 9: Gold, 2,140m, Nolan Streamline (A. Mifsud).
Race 10: Silver, 2,140m, Monticello (W. Farrugia).