Lou Petiot and Madis Boy first in Premier heats

The two most important races in yesterday's programme were heats from the Prix de Vincennes Championship for French trotters in the Premier Class. These championships are once again being organised by the Malta Racing Club with the financial backing of the Societé du Cheval Francais.

In the first Premier heat, Majestueux d'Or (Tony Demanuele) led almost all the way but 100m from the finish line, this horse changed its pace and was disqualified.

In the final metres, Michael Axisa steered Lou Petiot in front and this horse went on to obtain its third win in a row. L'An Deux Milles (Chris Cassar) finished second ahead of Mage Petteviniere (Brian Hili) and Jajolet (Benny Briffa). The winner clocked an average time of 1.16.4" per kilometre.

Liosco Atout (Noel Baldacchino) took the lead with 400m to go in the second Premier heat but in the final straight it was Madis Boy (Charles Camilleri) that surged clear of the field to record its maiden win at Marsa. Madis Boy's average time was 1.15.6" per kilometre.

Favourite In Vitro du Bourg (Ivan Bilocca), Iris du Louvet (Charló Debono) and French newcomer Marini du Mont (Salvu Vella) also qualified for the next stage.

In the first Prix d'Enghien heat for horses in the Gold category, Lindsay Neve (Baldacchino) increased its speed with a lap to go and managed to hold off the challenge of Kojak d'Isques (Camilleri) in the home straight.

Kaki de Peyrahout (Emmanuel Gafá) and Mambo du Mont (Demanuele) also made it through to the semi finals.

Lord The Best (Mark Mifsud) produced a strong burst in the final metres to notch up its first win in Malta in the second Gold heat. This horse triumphed from Kelso Bricois (Darren Mizzi), Lucky d'Hercla (Clifforty Calleja) and debutant Mon Cheri (Rodney Gatt).

On Friday, another 11-race programme was held at Marsa. The top race, a Prix de Vincennes heat also on the short distance of 2,140m, saw Lipouz Lesmelchen, driven by Demanuele, achieve its first win in Malta.

An international competition between Maltese and French drivers is the highlight of the next horse racing programme scheduled for Sunday. The first race starts at 2 p.m.

Yesterday's Winners

Race 1: Prix de Caen - Judoka du Rib (Joe Farrugia).

Race 2: Prix de Cagnes Sur Mer - Jess Luxor (Jesmond Micallef).

Race 3: Prix de Cagnes Sur Mer - Mousko Royal (Salvu Cutajar).

Race 4: Prix de Cabourg - Napol de Mai (Ronald Cassar).

Race 5: Prix de Cabourg - Nevermind (Rodney Gatt).

Race 6: Prix de Vincennes - Lou Petiot (Michael Axisa).

Race 7: Prix d'Enghien - Lindsay Neve (Noel Baldacchino).

Race 8: Prix de Vincennes - Madis Boy (Charles Camilleri).

Race 9: Prix d'Enghien - Lord The Best (Mark Mifsud).

Race 10: Prix de Cabourg - Major Luchois (Tony Demanuele).

Race 11: Prix de Cabourg - Nerlo Villetot (Julian Farrugia).