After a very long pause, the 2009 season resumed yesterday afternoon with a programme of 10 trotting events on the 2,140m distance.

The Premier race was the highlight of yesterday's meeting but the three Gold races also attracted significant interest. The rest were three Silver and three Bronze races. Rodney Gatt was the meeting's best driver with two wins.

The Premier race was an unspectacular affair as most of the trotters were unable to keep up with the pace of the two front-runners. No fewer than five entries pulled up 500m from the post.

For the record, the race was won by Joyful du Douetil, driven by Jesmond Attard while Kiki du Bois Morin finished second. Third place went to Quick Cape.

Last des Etangs entered first in the first Gold event but was disqualified for breaking. Kelso Bricois, under the guidance of Daren Mizzi, was declared winner. Leader du Puits and Charlie Smitt were second and third respectively.

The second Gold event resulted in an easy win for Lucky des Brisants, controlled by Christian Xerri. Lucky des Brisants won by no fewer than 15 lengths after leading for most of the distance. Kendo de l'Aron was second and Lindsay Neve third.

Flying As, under the reins of Michelangelo Farrugia, also cruised to an emphatic 12-length win in the third Gold event.

Just Bourbon and Lulu Moliere were second and third in that order.

After the seventh race, Tony Demanuele and George Schembri, representing the Horse Drivers and Owners Association, presented a memento to Matthew Brincat, chairman of the Malta Racing Club, in recognition of the club's efforts to upgrade the Marsa racecourse over the past five months.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 1.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Bronze, Ignace de Castelle (C. Calleja).
Race 2: Bronze, Notice As (R. Gatt).
Race 3: Silver, Lex Wall (J. Farrugia).
Race 4: Gold, Kelso Bricois (D. Mizzi).
Race 5: Bronze, Falco (R. Gatt).
Race 6: Premier, Joyful du Douetil (J. Attard).
Race 7: Gold, Lucky des Brisants (C. Xerri).
Race 8: Gold, Flying As (M.A. Farrugia).
Race 9: Silver, Indian Attack (N. Baldacchino).
Race 10: Silver, Manso des Hayes (C. Gerada).