The Fairplay Coronation Cup (Class A), a competition for flat runners on the 1,250m distance, got underway with the first two heats. Yesterday's card also included a race for Maltese ponies, running flat over 700 metres, one Premier event and one Gold, both on 2,140m.
Twelve-year-old French trotter In Vitro Du Bourg, driven by Ivan Bilocca, returned to winning ways after finishing first in the Premier race. It was anything but an easy win for In Vitro Du Bourg yesterday as in the final straight, it was attacked by Knock De Manche and Bello Fratello who finished second and third respectively.
The Gold 3 was an exciting contest from start to finish as four trotters were in the reckoning for first place until Frenċu Cassar's Kosai L.J. jumped ahead midway through the final straight. Spirit Of Charity and Faverol were second and third.
In heat one of The Fairplay Coronation Cup, the photo finish had to be consulted to determine the winner after Docklands Brian and Just The Best appeared to cross the finishing line together. The verdict went in favour of Just The Best, under the control of Ramon Grima.
Crocolyrique also qualified for the final. Victory in heat two went to Nikos Heriniere, directed by Demis Zammit. The winner passed the post a clear six lengths ahead of favourite Managing Director. The mare Kohima also clinched a place in the final after finishing third.
Prix De Malte
Charles Camilleri, driving Kaprice D'Ecajeul, won the Prix De Malte on the 2,600m distance at the Laval Racecourse in France. This is the first time a Maltese driver has triumphed in this event.
In the same race, Michael Ellul guided Leader Du Puits to second place and Julian Farrugia was third with Leader Back.
The other Maltese drivers who took part in the Prix de Malte were David Ellul, Tony Demanuele, Brian Hili, Rodney Gatt, and George Attard.
Yesterday's winners
Race 1: Qualification, 2,140m - Geronimo D'Em (G. Schembri).
Race 2: Bronze 4, 2,140m - Gagneur De Brillon (N. Baldacchino).
Race 3: Flat, Maltese Ponies, 700m - Mr Nice Guy (M. Mallia).
Race 4: Flat, Coronation Cup Heat, 1,250m - Just The Best (R. Grima).
Race 5: Silver 1, 2,140m - Dina Maty (S. Cassar).
Race 6: Gold 3, 2,140m - Kosai L.J. (F. Cassar).
Race 7: Premier, 2,140m - In Vitro Du Bourg (I. Bilocca).
Race 8: Flat, The Fairplay Coronation Cup, Heat 2, 1,250m - Nikos Heriniere (D. Zammit).
Race 9: Silver 2, 2,140m - Biggles Coquet (J. Vassallo).