Start of SECF Championships

Eight heats, four Gold (Prix d'Enghien) and four Silver (Prix de Cabourg), in connection with championships for French trotters, sponsored by French horse racing association SECF, were held yesterday at the Marsa Racetrack.

The card also included two Rite Mix Gatt Bros Cup flat heats on 1,750m. Noel Baldacchino again won three events making him the meeting's best driver.

Prix d'Enghien

A tussle along the final straight, between Kipouf De Bressiere (Noel Baldacchino) and Manifloso, ended in a close win for the former. The other qualifiers for the semi-finals were Kheops D'Ariane and JibiloDu Terme.

Three trotters fought it out between them in the final metres of the second heat with the post being reached first by Ludo Du Parc (Clint Vassallo).

Kosker Mancellerie and Kojak D'Isques entered second and third in that order while Joker Merett also booked a place in the semi-finals.

Kaki Du Vivier (George Schembri) surprised three trotters at the post to emerge winner in the third heat. It was followed by Karl Borealis, Kancho D'Occagnes and Loup De Severes.

Joyful Du Douetil (Jesmond Attard) met no difficulty on its way to winning the fourth and final Prix d'Enghien heat by three lengths. Lutin Du Val, Ksar Clairchamp and Kif Du Heurt completed the semi-final qualifiers.

Prix de Cabourg

Love Me Bourbon (Noel Baldacchino) registered its second victory on the trot in its second race in Malta, winning the opening Prix de Cabourg heat after increasing pace along the last 150m.

Newcomer Leo Du Rib, Lucky Charm and Le Breton Mabon, also making its debut at Marsa, qualified for the semi-finals.

Kaolin De Bannes (Anthony Fenech) made it two wins in a row in Heat Two when overtaking the then leading horse Judon Du Cap Vert midway through the final straight.

These two trotters were followed into the next stage of the championship by Josepha Du Hainaut and Ivory Capella.

Korentin (Noel Baldacchino) managed to control the final attack of Kalifant De Jemma to clinch first place in Heat Three. Jean De Bannes and Libre Echange also qualified.

King De Bourdeny (Julian Farrugia) led from start to finish in the remaining heat of this championship. Label Du Bouffey, Junior De Brersles and Larky D'Echal were the other trotters in the semis.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: SECF Silver Prix De Cabourg Heat 1, 2,640m, Love Me Bourbon (N. Baldacchino).

Race 2: SECF Gold Prix D'Engien Heat 1, 2,640m Kipouf De Bessiere (N. Baldacchino).

Race 3: Flat Rite Mix Bros Cup Heat 1, 1,750m, Docklands Brian (R. Grima).

Race 4: SECF Silver Prix De Cabourg Heat 2, 2,640m, Kaolin De Bannes (A. Fenech).

Race 5: Flat Rite Mix Bros Cup Heat 2, 1,750m, Pour L'Amour (M. Mallia).

Race 6: SECF Gold Prix D'Engien Heat 2, 2,640m, Ludo Du Parc (C. Vassallo).

Race 7: SECF Silver Prix De Cabourg Heat 3, 2,640m, Korentin (N. Baldacchino).

Race 8: SECF Gold Prix D'Engien Heat 3, 2,640m, Kaki Du Vivier (G. Schembri).

Race 9: SECF Gold Prix D'Engien Heat 4, 2,640m, Joyful Du Douetil (J. Attard).

Race 10: SECF Silver Prix De Cabourg Heat 4, 2,640m, King De Bourdeny (J. Farrugia).