Okilaibo and Julian Farrugia prevailed in yesterday’s main event, the Prix de Vincennes final for French trotters in the Premier Class.

The Prix de Vincennes showpiece was part of the 26th meeting of the season made up of nine races, all for trotters, which also included four other finals for French horses.

Originally 10 horses were scheduled to line up for the Premier Class final but Odedjalo, one of the pre-race favourites, was scratched a few hours prior to the start.

It was Quelino d’Amour (Mario Fenech) who made the fastest start, opening a half-length lead from Orne Des Olivettes (Christian Xerri) and Mark De Chamant (Michael Seychell).

With 700m to go, Quelino d’Amour ran out of steam and in came Okilaibo. With Farrugia pacing the race impeccably, Okilaibo surged in front to cruise to its second win of the season.

The winner finished five lengths ahead of Mark De Chamant, Olympien Major (Anthony Spagnol) and Orne Des Olivettes.

Two of the favourites, Nabab du Chatelet (Charles Camilleri) and Mig Of the Wood (Noel Baldacchino) were disqualified after changing pace during the 2,140m distance.

Okilaibo clocked an average of 1.14.8” per kilometre.

At the end of the final, Emmanuelle Morvillers, an official from the French association SECF, presented the winning trophy to Farrugia and Joseph Seychell, driver and owner of the winning horse.

In the Prix d’Enghien final for Gold Class trotters, Orion du Vaumicel (Frenċu Cassar) led all the way to register its first win of the year by half length from Phenix De La Roque (Baldacchino) and Noble d’Ete (Raymond Clifton). Niky du Donjon (Joe Vella) was fourth.

A keen tussle involving five horses developed in the final metres of the Prix de Cabourg final for Silver Class trotters.

Quozak Prior (Baldacchino) gained its second win in Malta from Panda Des Fleches (Chris Cassar), Quaroldo (Brian Zammit) and Marco Barbes (Kevin Sciberras).

Baldacchino made sure of his second win after finishing first in the Prix De Cagnes Sur Mer event for Bronze Class horses, with Pittacos.

This 10-year-old trotter confirmed that it is one of the most consistent horses of the season after outsmarting Marchallach (Rodney Gatt) to chalk up its fifth win of the year.

Navaroso de Khepri (David Ellul) and favourite Quindici (Patrick Spiteri) claimed the other top-four positions.

In the Prix de Caen final for Copper Class trotters, favourite Qua-laudry (Sciberras) increased its pace midway through the home straight and secured its second consecutive win by half length from Nylan de Mouloire (Rodney Gatt) and Minou de Perdriat (Charles Farrugia).

Ideal De Suce (Jesmar Gafa) ended fourth.

The next meeting at Marsa will be held on Friday with the first race starting at 6.30pm.

Winners at Marsa

Race 1: Bronze – Ariane A (Tony Demanuele) – 1.17.5”.
Race 2: Silver – Partisan de Bouere (Brian Hili) – 1.16.8”.
Race 3: Gold – Nuper (Andrew Farrugia) – 1.18”.
Race 4: Final Prix de Caen, Copper – Qualaudry (Kevin Sciberras) – 1.17.6”.
Race 5: Final Prix de Cagnes Sur Mer, Bronze – Pittacos (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.16.5”.
Race 6: Final Prix de Cabourg, Silver – Quozak Prior (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.17”.
Race 7: Final Prix d’Enghien, Gold – Orion Du Vaumicel (Frenċu Cassar) – 1.16.8”.
Race 8: Final Prix de Vincennes, Premier – Okilaibo (Julian Farrugia) – 1.14.8”.
Race 9: Gold – Oolong (Jesmar Gafa) – 1.16.2”.

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