The Coronation Cup final topped the card in yesterday’s 59th meeting of the season at the Marsa Racetrack.
The flat race final, held on the short distance of 1,250, was one of ten races held yesterday and saw the victory of Cheeky Jack, mounted by Demis Zammit.
Only four horses took part in this final.
It was Cheeky Jack the fastest horse out of the gates.
During the first metres, this American eight-year-old managed to open a length’s lead over Timolin (Ramon Grima).
Cheeky Jack preserved its advantage over Timolin to notch its fourth win of the season. Darielli (Michael Sultana) ended third.
After the race, Dr Matthew Brincat, MRC chairman, presented the Coronation Cup to Zammit and to Messrs Borg and Montebello, owners of the winning horse.
Yesterday’s card included also two races for class Premier trotters on a short distance of 2,140m.
In the first Premier race, Indian Attack (Noel Baldacchino) started to slow down around 600m from the end and eventually was overtaken by Normand d’Oger (Cliferty Calleja) which took its first win of the season. Argus Hanover (Charles Camilleri) and St Andrew LB (Julian Farrugia) placed second and third respectively while Noble d’Ete (Jeffrey Pace) ended fourth.
Young driver Cliferty Calleja also triumphed in the second race open for class Premier trotters.
In the final straight of this race there was a keen tussle between six horses.
It was Nino de Saintho, driven by Calleja, which returned to its winning form. This French trotter secured its second win of the year from Nevaio des Bordes (Claudio Refalo) and Skip Dimanche (Charlò Debono).
Versace Boko (Warren Spiteri) followed behind.
In the first Gold class race of the day, Power Night Star (Rodney Gatt) increased its pace around 500m from the finishing line and secured its second win in Malta by a length from Ygor Of Pass (Tony Demanuele).
Key Value (Mark Tanti) and Janitor (Marvin Cauchi) followed home in that order.
Keeping Quality (Charles Magro) sprinted well in the last 400 metres of the second class Gold race and this Swedish mare cruised to its first win of the year from Ironbar (Julian Farrugia). Charm Hammering (Gilbert Farrugia) was third ahead of Matador Knick (Carmelo Farrugia).
Another racing programme is scheduled for next Sunday at the Marsa racetrack. The card will consist of 12 trotting races with the first race starting at 1pm.
The winners
Race 1: Class Copper – Mistral du Chene (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.19.2”
Race 2: Class Copper – Monticello (Wayne Farrugia) – 1.17.9”
Race 3: Class Silver – Borups Hero (Darren Mizzi) – 1.16.9”
Race 4: Class Gold – Power Night Star (Rodney Gatt) – 1.15.8”
Race 5: Class Premier – Normand d’Oger (Cliferty Calleja) – 1.15.4”
Race 6: Class Bronze – Luriga Liz (George Attard) – 1.17.4”
Race 7: Coronation Cup – Cheeky Jack (Demis Zammit) – 1.13.5”
Race 8: Class Gold – Keeping Quality (Charles Magro) – 1.16.2”
Race 9: Class Premier – Nino de Saintho (Cliferty Calleja) – 1.15”
Race 10: Class Silver – 2140m. 1. Race Ball (Tony Demanuele) – 1.16.8”