Semi-finals from SECF Championships

Eight of the nine events on the card yesterday at Marsa were semi-finals from the SECF Championships, reserved for French trotters only, on the 2,140m distance.

The most important races were the two Premier ones.

The first developed into a tight duel along the last 150m between Iris Du Louvet and Hiracan De Brehan with the former, controlled by Gozitan Julian Farrugia, just clinching victory.

Iris Du Louvet and Hiracan De Brehan were accompanied into the final by Kosker Mancellerie and Hans Des Landiers.

The second top class semi-final was expected to be the plum event of the afternoon but it turned out to be a disappointing one as only five trotters took part. The other five were scratched.

Joker De Choisel wins

For the record, this semi-final was won by Joker De Choisel, driven by Frenċu Cassar, after taking an early lead. James De L'Iton was second while favourite In Vitro Du Bourg placed third.

Knock De Manche was the last trotter to reach the final.

Intrus Des Rioults (Carmelo Micallef) got its third win on the trot after coming first in one of the two Gold semi-finals.

Intrus Des Rioults jumped into the lead very early in the race but at the end it had to go all out to withstand the very strong challenge of Just Bourbon, the runner-up. Kojak D'Isques and Kaki De Peyrahout were the other two that made it to the final.

A strong dash along the final straight enabled Lindsay Neve (Raymond Micallef) to surprise the pack and clinch victory in the second Gold semi-final yesterday.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Silver 3, Instead of Cash (C. Refalo).

Race 2: Bronze 1 SF, Libre Exchange (M. Ellul).

Race 3: Silver SF, Krac De Perran (N. Baldacchino).

Race 4: Gold SF, Intrus Des Rioults (C. Micallef).

Race 5: Premier SF, Iris Du Louvet (J. Farrugia).

Race 6: Silver SF, L'Ideal De Fersan (K. Caruana).

Race 7: Bronze 1 SF, Lutan Villetot (C. Camilleri).

Race 8: Premier SF, Joker De Choisel (F. Cassar).

Race 9: Gold SF, Lindsay Neve (R. Micallef).