Flash Coger leads all the way in final

The first edition of the Equestrian Festival was held yesterday at the Marsa Racetrack.

This event was organised by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in conjunction with the Malta Racing Club, the Malta Equestrian Federation and the Malta Polo Club. Pippo Psaila was appointed by KMS to co-ordinate this event.

The afternoon programme, part of the day-long festival, included three finals for trotters, coming from Premier, Gold and Silver classes, on the mile distance. The card also included a final - the Butler Cup - for flat racing.

Ten horses took part in the Premier final. Swedish favourite Flash Coger (Julian Farrugia) led all the way and registered its second win in a row from Kejser Flamingo (Rodney Gatt).

Bello Fratello (Anthony Spagnol) and French newcomer Lipouz Lesmelchen (Tony Demanuele) were third and fourth respectively. Flash Coger clocked an average time of 1.14.9 per kilometre.

The horses for the Silver and Gold class finals were selected after a series of heats during the same afternoon.

The Silver final was won by Nevermind (Rodney Gatt). It overtook Notello de Brival (Joe Schembri) and Royal Pointer (Julian Farrugia) in the final straight. Super Swede (Kevin Sciberras) was fourth.

Gigo Lloyd (Charles Camilleri) dominated the Gold class final, its owners celebrating their trotter's fourth win of the year after a two-length victory from Indian Attack (Noel Baldacchino), Charlie Smitt (Charlò Debono) and Lass John (Shawn Formosa).

Only four horses lined up for the Butler Cup final.

Just the Best (Ramon Grima) increased its speed with some 400m to go and won by a length from Lordswood (Alessandro Costa) and Mean Mr Mustard (Demis Zammit).

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.

Yesterday's Winners

Race 1: Copper, Jeo de Touvois (Chris Vassallo).

Race 2: Silver, Mezio Josselyn (Victor Fenech).

Race 3: Silver, Royal Pointer (Julian Farrugia).

Race 4: Silver, Nevermind (Rodney Gatt).

Race 5: Gold, Gigo Lloyd (Charles Camilleri).

Race 6: Gold, Indian Attack (Noel Baldacchino).

Race 7: Flat, Just the Best (Ramon Grima).

Race 8: Premier, Flash Coger (Julian Farrugia).

Race 9: Silver, Nevermind (Rodney Gatt).

Race 10: Gold, Gigo Lloyd (C. Camilleri).