Lecobell first in Premier

The programme of racing at Marsa was quite varied yesterday considering the card was made up of the Sta Lucia Cup final, open for Swedish Silver trotters only, two flat heats for the Coronation Cup, and four other races on the 2,140m distance.

Veteran Raymond Clifton put Lecobell into the lead a lap from home in the Premier Class race.

Although hotly challenged by Inkato, Lecobell stayed in the lead to finish first. Lover Boy Index was third horse in.

The final of the Sta Lucia Cup had a dramatic finish but in the end it was Falco, driven by Rodney Gatt, who was home first ahead of Freedom As and Napoleon Tim.

The opening two heats from the Coronation Cup were run on Saturday. Heat 3 yesterday was won by Irish runner Montefiore following a very strong dash initiated some 400m from away the post.

The other three runners in the final were Crocolyrique, Nicos Heriniere and Genievre.

A duel at the end of heat 4, between debutant Johnny Maurk and Alassien, was won by the former. Danilo Pyrus and Free Devious also qualified for the final.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Silver, Notice As (R. Gatt).

Race 2: Silver Heat 1 Sta Lucia Cup, Napoleon Tim (Nath. Baldacchino).

Race 3: Silver Heat 2 Sta Lucia Cup, Troy Boko (L. Mifsud).

Race 4: Flat Coronation Cup heat, Montefiore (L. Azzopardi).

Race 5: Gold, Mint Spirit (F. Portelli).

Race 6: Silver, Biggles Coquet (J. Vassallo).

Race 7: Premier, Lecobell (R. Clifton).

Race 8: Silver, Speedy Gold RP (J. Farrugia).

Race 9: Silver Final Sta Lucia Cup, Falco (Rodney Gatt).

Race 10: Flat Coronation Cup heat, Johnny Maurk (O. Briffa).