Iris Du Louvet, Heros De Morvil win Prix d'Enghien semis
The 29th meeting of the season yesterday comprised four trotting semi-finals over 2,640 metres, two each from the Gold Class Prix d'Enghien and the Silver Class Prix de Cabourg, both for French trotters, and two heats from the St James Hospital...
The 29th meeting of the season yesterday comprised four trotting semi-finals over 2,640 metres, two each from the Gold Class Prix d'Enghien and the Silver Class Prix de Cabourg, both for French trotters, and two heats from the St James Hospital Challenge Cup for flat racing on 1,250 metres.
Although Iris Du Louvet, driven by Charlo Debono, led all the way in the first Prix d'Enghien semi-final, it had to go all out to hold off the strong charge of Golf Oul Dada along the last 100m.
Iras Du Bottey and Jarnac Du Moulin joined the winner and Golf Oul Dada in the final.
Noel Baldacchino drove favourite Heros De Morvil to victory in the second Prix d'Enghien. Kalifant De Jemma, Jet Des Rondes and Jibilo Du Terme also made it to the final.
First place in the opening Prix de Cabourg semi-final went to Klingsor for its third win in as many races in Malta. Korentin, King Du Pic and Judon Du Cap Vert also qualified.
Emmanuel Garzia's Junior De Bresles clinched the second semi-final but not before edging past the challenges of Icare De Jemma, Khepri De Beval and Jalsovien in that order. The top four trotters advanced to the final.
In the first Challenge Cup heat, there was an interesting duel between the mare Kohima and Alassien.
Kohima, ridden by Eric Zammit, just pipped Alassien, under the control of Zammit's brother Demis, to the post. Etoile Du Pic also qualified for the 'A' final after coming in third.
Oliver Briffa's Generous Spirit cruised to victory in the second heat. Flaming Ballet and Genievre also landed a place in the final.
Yesterday's winners
Race 1: Gold 3, 2,140m - M.C. Mack (R. Clifton).
Race 2: Gold 4, 2,140m - Grand Hand (C. Camilleri).
Race 3: Silver Class Prix de Cabourg, 2,640m - Klingsor (N. Baldacchino).
Race 4: Flat, St James Hospital Challenge Cup, 1,250m - Kohima (E. Zammit).
Race 5: Gold 1, 2,140m - Demilo Action (E. Bezzina).
Race 6: Gold Class Prix d'Enghien, 2,640m - Iris Du Louvet (C. Debono).
Race 7: St. James Hospital Challenge Cup, 1,250m - Generous Spirit (O. Briffa).
Race 8: Prix d'Enghien, 2,640m - Heros De Morvil (N. Baldacchino).
Race 9: Prix de Cabourg, 2,640m - Junior De Bresles (E. Garzia).