Degiorgio lifts the prestigious trophy. Photos: Paul Zammit CutajarDegiorgio lifts the prestigious trophy. Photos: Paul Zammit Cutajar

The final of the prestigious Tazza l-Kbira competition was the main attraction of yesterday’s prog-ramme at the Marsa Racetrack.

Cloria Victis, driven by Charles Degiorgio, claimed victory in the final which formed part of the 18th meeting of the season, made up of eight races, all for trotters.

The 80th edition of the Tazza l-Kbira was organised with the financial support of Bank Of Valletta.

Eleven horses lined up for yesterday’s final.

As expected, it was Cloria Victis which stormed ahead in the initial stages, building a half-length lead from Perceval (Frenċu Cassar), Oltedo De Rieux (Charles Camilleri) and Oran (Julian Farrugia).

With 500 metres to go, Cloria Victis was still going strong and, despite being strongly challenged by Perceval in the final stages, Degiorgio still managed to guide the Swedish 10-year-old trotter to victory.

Oltedo De Rieux, Quiet Way (Peter Paul Said) and Oran followed home in that order.

After the race, Charles Borg, CEO of Bank Of Valletta, presented the glimmering cup to Degiorgio and Charles Borg, driver and owner respectively of the winning horse.

The presentation was made in the presence of Chris Agius, the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport.

The other races on yesterday’s card were over one mile.

The programme included two races for Gold Class trotters. There was a close finish in the first Gold race when Ironbar (Julian Farrugia) and French newcomer Quel Homme (Noel Baldacchino) sprinted neck-and-neck in the final metres.

It was Ironbar which secured its first win of the season after the photofinish was consulted by the stewards.

Mean Nothing (Etienne Carabott) and Quitou Jim Park (Johann Cordina) finished third and fourth respectively.

In the second Gold Class race, Pile Ou Face (Mark Desira) registered its fourth win of the year.

This French trotter dashed strongly from the outside over the last 300m to win easily by a length from Xray Hornline (Rodney Gatt), Cowboy Party (Chris Cassar) and Count Of Life (Claudio Refalo).

Desira’s win on Pile Ou Face was his second of the day.

Another programme at the Marsa Racetrack is scheduled for Thursday, a public holiday. The first race starts at 2pm.

Yesterday’s winners

Race 1: Bronze, Louise Wood (Mark Desira) – 1.17.7”.
Race 2: Silver, Okapi Des Dimes (Michael Ellul) – 1.15.9”.
Race 3: Silver, Rocky Mati (Charles Camilleri) – 1.15.7”
Race 4: Gold, Ironbar (Julian Farrugia) – 1.15.1”
Race 5: Bronze, Winner Farming (Joseph Bartolo) – 1.16.4”.
Race 6: BOV Tazza l-Kbira championship final, Cloria Victis (Charles Degiorgio) – 1.15.8”.
Race 7: Silver, Rasting Celina (Julian Farrugia) – 1.14.5”.
Race 8: Gold, Pile Ou Face (Mark Desira) – 1.15.5”.

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