An SECF final and two SECF semi-finals, all three on the 2,140-metre distance, plus five other scratch but gymkhana races on the long 3,140 metres, made up the card of the 13th Autumn Meeting at the Marsa Racetrack yesterday.
Driver Noel Baldacchino enjoyed a very satisfactory afternoon as he registered no fewer than four wins, including a championship final, and a number of placings.
The Prix De Cabourg SECF C/D Championship final developed into a hard-fought duel between Gagneur De Brillon and Elan Du Cottage, both coming from four wins on the trot.
Elan Du Cottage took an immediate lead but Baldacchino's Gagneur De Brillon produced a strong dash midway through the final straight to overtake his main opponent just a few metres away from the post. Galassius and If Du Gedouin were third and fourth in that order.
Fier Seigneur looked set to win the first Classes A/B SECF semi-final after leading right from the start but in the final metres, it was overtaken by eventual winner Ison Des Joncs, under the control of Charles Degiorgio, and second-placed Fairfax Bourbon.
Fier Seigneur had to settle for third place ahead of Infixgo which gained the fourth qualifying spot for the final of the Prix D'Enghien Championship.
First place in the second semi-final went to Benny Briffa's Fontenoy which sped past Impact Classic at the post after the latter had led for most of the distance. Gatsby De La Motte and Galet De La Croix also booked a place in the final.
Class A1 was not considered as the most important event yesterday due to the fact that the card included three SECF races, which are only open to French trotters.
Tiger Bac, driven by Baldacchino, increased its pace midway through the final straight to clinch victory after overtaking the then leading horse Gold De La Noe. The latter had a disappointing finish, ending up fourth after being passed by Pomerol Merc and Jason R.P. respectively.
In Class B, Vacuum Pack, under the control of Charles Degiorgio, reached the post first after storming ahead a lap from the end. Boomerang was second horse in.
The next meeting is scheduled for the coming Friday starting at 7 p.m.
Yesterday's winners
Race 1: Class H - Eden (C. Camilleri).
Race 2: Class G - Figeac (V. Grech).
Race 3: Class E - Jump Of Glory (N. Baldacchino).
Race 4: Classes A/B - Ison Des Joncs (C. Degiorgio).
Race 5: Classes C/D - Gagneur De Brillon (N. Baldacchino).
Race 6: Class A1 - Tiger Bac (N. Baldacchino).
Race 7: Classes A/B - Fontenoy (B. Briffa).
Race 8: Class B - Vacuum Pack (C. Degiorgio).
Race 9: Class D - Circus Flip (N. Baldacchino).