The first cross-border race in Malaysia open to Malaysian and Singapore horses has been won by a Malaysian entry.

SQUIRT, The sole Singapore runner in the Class 4 - 1400m event here today, started as the favourite but the Senor Pete, after setting the early pace, faded to finish six of eight runners.

BIG TURNOUT (5 b.nz.g Shinko King - Reflecting On by Volksraad), who tracked SQUIRT early, shot to the front at the top of the straight and coasted home by one-and-a-quarter lengths from ABERDONIAN (5 b.saf.g Northern Guest - Star Land by Home Guard).

While the participation of SQUIRT today was a historic moment, marking the resumption of cross-border racing after more than six years, it was clear that Malaysian cross-border races will not be easy picking for Singapore horses.

"I think they (Singapore trainers) need to send stronger horses," said a Malaysian trainer.

Yu Pang Fei, Singapore Turf Club president and chief executive, said however it was "a good start" and more Singapore horses are expected to cross the causeway to compete in Malaysia.

For now, only Penang Turf Club is ready to stage cross-border races as the Perak and Selangor Turf Clubs have yet to build the quarantine stables necessary for these races which offer Singapore-level prizemoney.