Driven by Kurt Saliba, French trotter Uranium Des Arkads went on to win the Assikura Championship final for Bronze Class trotters at the Marsa Racetrack, yesterday.

This final, held on a short distance of 2,140m, formed part of the 11th winter meeting with a programme made up of seven races, all for trotters.

Sandrone (Jason Vassallo) stormed ahead in the initial stages and opened a small lead from Obscur De Busset (Shawn Portelli) and Notre Joyeux (Chares Camilleri).

However, with 400m to go, Sandrone started to slow down after running out of steam. Eventually, the early leader was overtaken by Uranium Des Arkads (Kurt Saliba), which notched its ninth win in a row and a third of the year, ahead of Notre Joyeux.

Reflexe De Crennes (Joseph Magro) and Willesden Hanover (Wayne Farrugia) followed behind in that order.

At the end of the Assikura final, Andrew Grech, on behalf of the sponsors, presented the winning trophy to Saliba in the presence of Malta Racing Club official Fidel Dalli.

The other races were open to Gold, Silver and Bronze category trotters and held over a long distance of 3,140m.

In the Gold Class race, favourite Madrileno, driven by Mario Fenech, took the lead in the final straight before going on to secure its second win in a row ahead of Troy Boshoeve (Salvu Vella).

Milord Barbes (Cliferty Calleja) was third and Quefi Des Caillons (David Ellul) fourth.

Yesterday’s winners

Race 1: Bronze. Elektra Tanga (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.20.6”
Race 2: Bronze. Quipo Du Tronquay (Mario Borg) – 1.19”
Race 3: Bronze. Uyong De Carsi (Patrick Spiteri) – 1.18.9”
Race 4: Gold. Madrileno (Mario Fenech) – 1.18.4”
Race 5: Silver. Udice Boko (Charles Camilleri) – 1.17.7”
Race 6: Bronze. Uranium Des Arkads (Kurt Saliba) – 1.17”
Race 7: Silver. Sillon Du Breuil (Michael Ellul) – 1.18”