The 55th meeting of the season, comprising eight trotting races, was held yesterday at the Marsa Racetrack. The main attraction was the Premier class race which saw Tony Demanuele steer Anguz R.C to its second consecutive win in Malta.
Thirteen horses contested the Premier race over 2,140 metres.
Matin de Manche (Brian Hili) opened a half-length lead from Arifant (Frans Tanti) and L’As de Seuilly (Kevin Sciberras) in the opening stages. But, with a lap to go, Demanuele put favourite Anguz R.C. in front and the Swedish 10-year-old went on to reach the post first, a length ahead of Matin de Manche.
Energy Launcher (Redent Magro) and Lucas Ness (Mario Farrugia) claimed the other top positions.
Anguz R.C. clocked an average time of 1.16” per kilometre.
In the Gold class race, Swedish Master Lupin confirmed that it is one of the most consistent horses of the season by notching its seventh win of the year and second in a row.
Master Lupin increased its pace some 300m from the end to finish ahead of Beckham Bob (Charles Camilleri), Vasterbo Hitchiker (Raymond Clifton) and Natif de l’Hommee (Julian Farrugia).
In winning the Gold race, Master Lupin averaged 1.15.7” per kilometre, the best time of yesterday’s programme.
Yesterday’s card also included two races for Silver class trotters. There was a tight finish in the first race as Gin T. Dalimo (Mark Mifsud) and Sweep The Floor (Julian Farrugia) sprinted together in the final straight. The win was awarded to the former after the photofinish had been consulted.
Pajarito Nada (Frans Tanti) and Napitano (Mario Fenech) were third and fourth respectively.
In the second Silver class race, Stonecreek (Etienne Mallia) produced a strong dash on the outside midway through the final straight to claim its first win of the season.
Norfolk de Gouerie (Cliferty Calleja), Cross Country FC (Marco Debono) and Onwards Star (James Carabott) completed the top-four order.
The next racing programme will take place on Thursday, a public holiday. The first race starts at 1.30 p.m.
Paris race
On Saturday, the international race Prix des Reincontres Internationales du Trot was held at the Vincennes Racetrack in Paris, France.
Malta was represented by 2010 champion driver Noel Baldacchino who drove outsider Nophenio de Lune in the autostart race.
Nophenio de Lune changed pace in the final metres and was disqualified. The race was won by Oleron Senonchois, driven by M.A. Bovay. Neron de l’Ante (H.P. Tholfsen) and Narval d’Ecajuel (V. Rimsa) finished second and third respectively.
The winner recorded an average time of 1.14.7” per kilometre.
Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper, Hulegardens Filur (Mario Falzon).
Race 2: Copper, Loulou Noir (Carl Caruana).
Race 3: Bronze, Hardy Frontline (Ludvic Ghigo).
Race 4: Bronze, Pretty Post (David Ellul).
Race 5: Gold, Master Lupin (Rodney Gatt).
Race 6: Silver, Gin T. Dalimo (Mark Mifsud).
Race 7: Premier, Anguz R.C. (Tony Demanuele).
Race 8: Silver, Stonecreek (Etienne Mallia).