James De L'Iton retains title

Nine trotters were under starter's orders for the final of the most important trotting championship on the local horse racing calendar yesterday -It-Tazza il-Kbira.

This championship, sponsored by Emirates Airlines, was reserved for horses from the Premier and Gold Divisions on the 2,140m distance. The contestants, according to their draw numbers, were Iris Du Louvet, Arnie Sensation, Kosker Mancellerie, Ksar, James De L'Iton, Lindsay Neve, Bello Fratello, In Vitro Du Burg and Gigo Lloyd.

It-Tazza l-Kbira was first contested in 1934 and continued until 1994 when the championship was stopped. However, it was back on the agenda last year and has proved a hit with race-goers.

The final was an exciting race from start to finish. Kosker Mancellerie took an early lead but was soon overtaken by James De L'Iton (Noel Baldacchino), the 2008 championship winner.

Some 500m away from the post James De L'Iton had to start contending with the challenge of the popular In Vitro Du Bourg (Ivan Biloccca). However, James De L'Iton increased its pace impressively along the straight for home to cross the finish line first, a length-and-a-half ahead of In Vitro Du Bourg to retain the title for another year. Iris Du Louvet was third horse in.

The card yesterday also included five other trotting events, all on the short 1,640m distance, and a flat race ran on 1,250m. Here, Kharsak, ridden by Oliver Briffa, was first past the post after leading for most of the distance.

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, 1,640m - Wall Street News (S. Schembri).
Race 2: Copper, 1,640m - Glenn Healy (G. Schembri).
Race 3: Bronze, 1,640m - Giovanni (J. Debattista).
Race 4: Flat - Kharsak (O. Briffa).
Race 5: Silver, 1,640m - Ace of Heart (F. Cassar).
Race 6: Final, 2,640m - James De L'Iton (N. Baldacchino).
Race 7: Bronze, 1,640m - Catch me if you can (C. Farrugia).