The sixth meeting of the season was held yesterday afternoon at the Marsa Race Track.
Ten of the 11 races were open for trotters and were run on the mile distance while the other race was the P&M Farrugia Flat race on a long distance of 1,750m. This race was won by Irish newcomer Diamante Grande, mounted by Sarah Borg.
Although only three horses took part in the flat event of the day, this race still turned out to be an exciting one.
It was English debutante Henderlik (Oliver Briffa) the fastest out of the gates, opening a small lead from Timolin (Ramon Grima). But midway through the final straight, both Henderlik and Timolin started to slow down and in came Diamante Grande which gained its first win in Malta under the guidance of Borg.
In the first class Gold race of the day, Global Hunt (Redent Magro) increased its pace 200m from the finishing line to surge past the post first but was later disqualified.
Ironbar (Julian Farrugia) was awarded victory, the first of the season, ahead of Charm Hammering (Gilbert Farrugia), Enjoy Kronos (Charles Camilleri) and Swedish newcomer Xray Hornline (Herman McKay).
In the second class Gold race, L’Ideal de Fersan (Carl Caruana) took the lead with a lap to go and managed to preserve its lead till the end for its first win of the year after holding off the challenge of Kapro Wareco (Mario Fenech) in the final metres. Podium (Charles Camilleri) and Side Spin (Julian Farrugia) finished home in that order.
Carl Caruana also won the third class Gold race with Orage du Pont. This French trotter profited from the disqualification of Orion de Chapeau (Chris Vassallo) which changed its pace at the finish.
On Friday, the Marsa Race Track will host another programme, consisting of ten races which will include six heats from the Tazza l-Kbira Championship.
The first race starts at 6.30pm.
The winners
Race 1: Class Copper – Kulls Nero (Tony Demanuele) 1.17”
Race 2: Class Bronze – Prince Feulavoir (Joseph Bartolo) 1.16.3”
Race 3: Class Silver – Napolitano Sun (David Ellul) 1.15.6”
Race 4: Class Silver – Alf Eme (Joe Schembri) 1.14.9”
Race 5: Class Gold – Ironbar (Julian Farrugia) 1.14.9”
Race 6: Class Bronze – Quindici (Redent Magro) 1.15.5”
Race 7: Class Gold – L’Ideal de Fersan (Carl Caruana) 1.14.6”
Race 8: Class Silver – Pepone du Castelet (Charles Camilleri) 1.15”
Race 9: Class Gold – Orage du Pont (Carl Caruana) 1.14.3”
Race 10: Class Flat – Diamante Grande (Sarah Borg) NT
Race 11: Class Silver – Pirate d’Urzy (Eugenio Bondin) 1.15.3”