Championship heats for French trotters underway

Eight of the nine all-trotting events making up the card of yesterday's 56th meeting of the season at the Marsa racecourse were heats from two championships reserved for French trotters, the Prix D'Enghien (Gold) and the Prix De Cabourg (Silver).

After yesterday's series of races, a total of 32 trotters qualified for their respective semi-finals. Noel Baldacchino was the meeting's best driver yesterday with three wins.

In the Gold Heat 1 of the Prix D'Enghien, a tussle ensued between three horses, ending with Just Bourbon (Frenċu Cassar) passing the post first ahead of Kheops D'Ariane, Ideal Lamb and Alpha De Cosse who all reached the next stage of the championship.

Favourite Intrus Des Rioults (Carmelo Micallef) led all the way in Heat 2. It was accompanied to the semi-finals by Kipouf De Bessiere, Lindsay Neve and Hello Classique.

After leading from start to finish, Kandy Du Fruitier (Noel Baldacchino) had to go all out to win in the final metres of Heat 3 when attacked by Kaki De Peyrahout, the eventual runner-up.

Imperieux and Kendo De Bellande were the others that found a place in the semis.

Kojak D'Isques (Charles Camilleri) won the fourth and final heat Gold championship heat thanks to a strong dash along the last 100m. Hiosco De Davcar, Joyau Des Cigales and Land Du Vivier were the other trotters to enter the semi-finals.

Baldacchino steered Golf Oul Dada to win the first Silver heat thanks to a sprint along the last 150m and qualify for the Prix De Cabourg semi-finals along with King De Bourdenay, Ksar Clairchamp and Krac De Clerlande.

A final surge earned Lotus Du Goth (Andrew Spiteri) victory in Heat 2. Also qualifying were Jibilo De Terme, Le Rescator and Kaolin De Banes.

Leo De Gratens looked set to win Heat 3 but was overtaken at the post by L'Ideal De Fersan (Carl Caruana).

The two other trotters that qualified were Hermes D'Haufor and Kalifant De Jemma.

Victory in the fourth and last heat went to Krac De Perran (N. Baldacchino) after overcoming the last efforts of Lance Pierre, Lewis Des Sarts as well as Kif Du Heurt.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Bronze 5, Ignace De Castelle (C. Calleja).

Race 2: Prix De Cabourg, Golf Oul Dada (N. Baldaccchino).

Race 3: Prix De Cabourg, Lotus Du Goth (A. Spiteri).

Race 4: Prix D'Enghien, Just Bourbon (F. Cassar).

Race 5: Prix D'Enghien, Intrus Des Rioults (C. Micallef).

Race 6: Prix De Cabourg, L'Ideal De Fersan (C. Caruana).

Race 7: Prix D'Enghien, Kandy Du Fruitier (N. Baldacchino).

Race 8: Prix D'Enghien, Kojak D'Isques (C. Camilleri).

Race 9: Prix De Cabourg, Krac De Perran (N. Baldacchino).