The 2015 Mediterranean Derby race for flat horses was held in front of an enthusiastic crowd during the 29th meeting of the season on Friday evening.

The prestigious race, held over a long distance of 1,750 metres, was won by German horse Timolin, under the guidance of Michael Sultana.

Eight horses lined up for the Derby.

Gold As Good (Demis Zammit) was fastest out of the gates, opening a slight lead from Pearl Storm (Oliver Briffa) and Timolin.

However, with 500 metres to go, both Gold As Good and Pearl Storm lost their initial pace and were overtaken by Timolin which went on to chalk up its second win in a row after taking the lead midway through the home straight.

At the post, Timolin prevailed easily by more than three lengths with Gold As Good the runner-up ahead of Pearl Storm and Sweet Angelica (Matthew Mallia).

After the race, MRC chairman Edwin Borg presented the Mediterranean Derby trophy to Timolin owner Kevin Borg and jockey Sultana.

Friday’s card included a Premier Class race over 2,140 metres.

Princess View (Julian Farrugia) was unchallenged from start to finish as this Swedish mare had no trouble recording its first win at the racetrack by more than two lengths ahead of favourite Quartz Pierji (Carmelo Farrugia).

Printemps De Gaia (Johan Axisa) and Donald Duck Tooma (Charles Camilleri) followed home in that order.

In the first Gold Class race of the evening, High Stage (Marco Refalo) secured its second win in Malta after leading all the way to reach the post ahead of Rubis Du Lamee (Tony Mallia).

In the other race from the Gold category, Rainbow Sautonne (Clive Gerada) recorded its first win at Marsa after upping its pace in the last 400 metres.

Another meeting at the racetrack will be held on Friday evening.

Race winners at Marsa

Race 1: Copper – Valentino De Monti (Mario Falzon) – 1.18”.
Race 2: Bronze – Royal In (Marco Debono) – 1.16”.
Race 3: Silver – Rubis D’Olivier (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.15.6”.
Race 4: Bronze – Voila Dry (Ivan Bilocca) – 1.15.4”.
Race 5: Gold – High Stage (Marco Refalo) – 1.15”.
Race 6: Mediterranean Derby final, flat – Timolin (Michael Sultana) – 1.47”.
Race 7: Silver – Neo De Mira (George Muscat) – 1.16.8”.
Race 8: Premier – Princess View (Julian Farrugia) – 1.15.1”.
Race 9: Bronze – Famous Faberge (Brian Zammit) – 1.16.8”.
Race 10: Gold – Rainbow Sautonne (Clive Gerada) - 1.16.2”.

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