Oviedo Vici, driven by Darren Mizzi, won yesterday’s Premier race which was the highlight of the 22nd meeting of the season.

Charles Camilleri finished as the best driver with two wins.

Sixteen horses lined up for the Premier race. Oviedo Vici was the fastest horse at the start as the French 10-year-old opened a 12-length lead from Target Player (Carmelo Farrugia) and Natieu d’Echal (Noel Baldacchino).

Despite slowing down in the last 200m, Oviedo Vici managed to cruise to its second win in Malta from Normand d’Oger (Cliferty Calleja) and Nono de Crouay (Melvin Farrugia).

Oviedo Vici clocked a good average time of 1.14.7” per kilometre.

In the first Silver class race of the programme, Lys de l’Oasis (Redent Magro) started to slow down midway through the final straight. It was overtaken by Pared An Hoel (Ivan Bilocca) which secured its first win in Malta. Nasdaq du Closet (Eugenio Zerafa) and Prince Brilliance (Charles Camilleri) claimed the other top-four positions.

Pedros Au Top (Brian Zammit) led all the way in the second Silver race. This French trotter notched its first win at Marsa from West Life (Camilleri) and Super Spot (Joe Muscat).

Eastwick (Rodney Gatt) had a poor outing, finishing fourth.

The programme contained a flat race. Although this race was held, it was later declared invalid because one of the participants had problems with its starting gate.

Another programme at Marsa will be held tomorrow. The card includes an international race between Maltese and Swedish drivers from Sundbyholm.

Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper – New Hope (Charles Camilleri).
Race 2: Copper – Luriga Liz (George Attard).
Race 3: Bronze – Above Roland (Rodney Gatt).
Race 4: Flat – Not valid.
Race 5: Bronze – Ocean Gede (Cliferty Calleja).
Race 6: Silver – Pared An Hoel (Ivan Bilocca).
Race 7: Premier – Oviedo Vici (Darren Mizzi).
Race 8: Silver – Pedros Au Top (Brian Zammit).
Race 9: Bronze – Notre Joyeux (Charles Camilleri).