TREVOR GALLIENNE’S Crossways won the most prestigious race of the local season at Les Landes at the weekend. A bumber crowd of nearly 3,000 saw the Alyson Malzard-trained horse win the Coors Jersey Derby.

Off Minor, attempting to win the second leg of the CI Triple Crown after taking the Champion Hurdle last time out, went off a hot favourite for the feature event and was settled in midfield in the early part as Royal Starlet was allowed to bowl along in front.

Approaching the turn for home, Royal Starlet was still leading but the chasing pack were now hot on her heels, although the long-time leader was not going to give in easily.

It was not until they had passed the final-furlong pole that Crossways, under strong driving from Adam Jones, finally got his head in front, with Tony Proctor equally hard at work on the favourite.

Crossways stuck to his task well and as they passed the winning post, he had a length to spare over Off Minor with Royal Starlet a further eight lengths back.

It was the second time that Crossways, owned by Guernsey bookmaker Gallienne, has won the Jersey Derby as he beat Off Minor in the 2004 renewal by a head.

The runner-up once again ran his normal game race but on the day the 2005 champion was second best.