Major Chaleonnais won Friday evening’s major race at Marsa, the Summer Championship final for Premier Class trotters held over a short distance of 2,140m.

The race formed part of the 36th meeting of the season made up of eight races, all finals from different summer competitions, before the holiday recess.

Ten horses lined up for the Premier final. Here, Charlo Debono put Major Chaleonnais in front with a lap to go and the 11-year-old French horse went on to win its fourth race of the season, two lengths ahead of favourite Fire (Marco Refalo).

Belafonte (Clifforty Calleja) and Mentor del’Iton (Brian Hili) finished third and fourth respectively as Major Chaleonnais clocked a good average time of 1.14.8” per kilometre.

MRC chairman Matthew Brincat presented the winning trophy to Debono, owner of the winning horse, at the end of the race.

In the Gold Class final, it was Nacarat Campbell (Charles Camilleri) which increased its speed midway through the final straight to finish first ahead of Nomade de Mai (Noel Baldacchino).

World famous French driver Jean Michel Bazire was also present for the meeting and had the opportunity to mix with the racing enthusiasts at the packed stands.

Bazire was also invited to present the winning trophy to the owners of Nacarat Campbell.

Bazire was here as guest of Maltese owner Mario Xuereb. In his career, he won more than 3,000 races, the most famous being the Prix d’Amerique (twice) with Moni Maker and Kesaco Phedo.

The 2011 season will resume on September 8.

The winners
Race 1: Copper, Loulou de la Rose (Michael Ellul).
Race 2: Bronze, Marchallach (Rodney Gatt).
Race 3: Bronze, Apple Tooma (Michael Ellul).
Race 4: Silver, Pout de Quelaines (David Galea).
Race 5: Silver, Master Lupin (Rodney Gatt).
Race 6: Gold, Nacarat Campbell (Charles Camilleri).
Race 7: Premier, Major Chaleonnais (Charlo Debono).
Race 8: Gold, She’s Dreamlike (Julian Farrugia).