Thrilling end to Class A1 race

All ten trotting events on yesterday's card at the Marsa Racetrack were scratch races on the very long 3,140m distance.

Various horses occupied first position at one time or another in the Class A1 race, the top one of the meeting.

After a rather monotonous going along a large stretch of this long distance, the race bounced into life in the last 200 metres. An exciting dash ensued as six trotters fought it out for first place. It was the photo finish that decided the first four placings.

Espoir Du Buron, driven by Salvu Vella, was found out to be the winner closely followed by Feeling Way. Flash Du Rib was awarded third place.

Anthony Debono's Jason R.P. clinched victory in the Class A event after pipping at the post newcomer to Maltese trotting Fier De Tartifume. With this win, the former earned promotion to Class A1.

Wholly Harley, in its first race in Malta, appeared to be a very strong horse and had to be controlled by its driver not to waste much energy in the first half of the distance.

But when encouraged to sprint in the final straight, it did not respond and was overtaken first by the winner of the Class B race, Dino de Bonnefille, driven by Benny Briffa, and by co-debutant Hakuna Matata.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 2.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1 (Class H): A l'Est du Soly (A. Pace).

Race 2 (Class F): Bichon Du Ravary (R. Clifton).

Race 3 (Class E): Edward Pershing (M. Desira).

Race 4 (Class F): Simon Vie (J. Farrugia).

Race 5 (Class C): Rambo Aspen (N. Baldacchino).

Race 6 (Class A1): Espoir Du Buron (S. Vella).

Race 7 (Class D): Fort de Val (F. Cassar).

Race 8 (Class A): Jason R.P. (A. Debono).

Race 9 (Class B): Dino De Bonnefille (B. Briffa).

Race 10. Class C: Patriarque (C. Degiorgio).