The most important events at the Marsa Racetrack yesterday were three Condition Race finals for Silver, Bronze and Copper Class trotters on a short distance of 2,140 metres.
These finals, part of the 42nd meeting of the season, were organised by the Malta Racing Club with the support of Finnish company Velj Wahlsten Oj, represented locally by Mario and Peter Farrugia.
Twelve horses lined up for the Silver Class final.
Memory Chip (Julian Farrugia) was the fastest horse in the early stages, opening a slight lead from Pronger (Claudio Refalo) and Versace Boko (Warren Spiteri).
With 400 metres to go, the early leader began to slow down and was overtaken by Scarface Ringeat (Charles Camilleri) but, in the home straight, this French trotter couldn’t withstand the challenge of Royal In.
Driven by Marco Debono, one of its owners, Royal In secured its third consecutive win and seventh of the season.
Ratatoui (Jesmar Gafa) and Versace Boko finished third and fourth respectively.
Oregon Frontline (Rodney Gatt) sealed its fourth win in a row in the Bronze Class final.
Gatt’s trotter stormed ahead after just a few metres from the official start and was unchallenged throughout. Oregon Frontline triumphed easily by four lengths from Pericle (Jonathan Farrugia). Dreamed Victory (Jason Zahra) and Noble Raun (Michael Ellul) followed home in that order.
In the Copper final, the early leader, Atout De Carriere (Charles Camilleri), ran out of steam only a few metres from the post.
It surrendered the lead to favourite Tap Tiara (Noel Baldacchino) which gained its second win in a row and its fifth in Malta.
Quibus (Jason Cordina) and Alana (Marvin Cauchi) were third and fourth respectively.
Yesterday’s card also included a Premier Class race on a gymkana format, on a long distance of 3,140 metres.
A keen duel involving two trotters developed in the final metres. It was Finnish Ranch Get On (Charles Magro) which cruised to its maiden win in Malta from Vanmaker Limburgia (Charles Camilleri).
Striking Actions (Rodney Gatt) and Quito De Neret (Noel Baldacchino) completed the top-four order.
During yesterday’s programme, Baldacchino and Gatt were presented with a commemorative plaque after claiming the best driver awards for March and April.
Another meeting at the Marsa Racetrack is scheduled for Friday, starting at 7pm.
Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper, Uranos (Tony Demanuele) – 1.19.5”.
Race 2: Silver, Quid De Belle Vue (C. Camilleri) – 1.17.9”.
Race 3: Silver, Sampiero De May (David Galea) – 1.18.2”.
Race 4: Condition Race Final (Copper), Tap Tiara (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.18.5”.
Race 5: Condition Race Final (Bronze), Oregon Frontline (Rodney Gatt) – 1.16.7”.
Race 6: Premier, Ranch Get On (Charles Magro) – 1.18.5”.
Race 7: Condition Race Final (Silver) Royal In (Marco Debono) – 1.14.3”.
Race 8: Gold, Helacs Falo (Julian Farrugia) – 1.20.2”.