The Chukkas Tazza l-Kbira championship final topped the card in yesterday’s 18th meeting of the season.

This championship was open for Premier Class trotters and the final was held on a long distance of 2,640 metres.

Before the start of the race, the 11 trotters took part in a parade at the racetrack that was led by veteran Kakisis, winner of the prestigious Tazza l-Kbira championship four years ago.

One of the finalists, French Pedro Vici, was scratched a few hours before the start of the race.

Quito De Neret (Michael Ellul) made the fastest start, opening a small lead from Vejby Boom (Carl Caruana) and Quetzal De Brix (Charles Camilleri).

Then, midway through the distance, Cloria Victis (Charles Degiorgio) shot into the lead. However, this Swedish trotter, winner of last year’s final, was unable to keep up the pace and, with 300m to go, started to slow down.

Cloria Victis was overtaken by Qui Sait (Rodney Gatt) which went on to finish first easily by a length-and-a-half from Quorum Quick (Brian Zammit) and Quebir De L’Aube (Clint Vassallo).

Vejby Boom finished in fourth place.

Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, presented the prestigious cup to Qui Sait owner Paul Cassar in the presence of Martin Arrigo, who was representing the sponsors.

Qui Sait obtained its second win in Malta in an average time of 1.15.2” per kilometre.

The other races on the card yesterday were reserved for Gold, Silver and Bronze Class trotters.

In the first Gold race, early leader French Phenix De La Roque (Noel Baldacchino) lost its rhythm around 200m from the post and was overtaken by Madrileno (Mario Fenech) for its third win at Marsa.

Blizzard Ad (Frenċu Cassar) was second followed by Paleo Des Cascades (Carl Caruana) and Wies Buitenzorg (Eric Bezzina).

Quel Imprevu, under the guidance of Paul Galea, gained its first win at the racetrack in the other Gold Class race.

This French trotter dashed strongly from the outside with some 400m left and took the lead in the final straight.

Quel Imprevu passed the post first ahead of Midnight Passion (Eric Bezzina), Cowboy Party (Chris Cassar) and Premier Avril (Mario Fenech) in that order.

Yesterday’s winners

Race 1: Bronze – Diamond Hallinck (Rodney Gatt) - 1.18.5”
Race 2: Silver – Sillon Du Breuil (Michael Ellul) – 1.16.9”
Race 3: Bronze – Picabia Des Audins (Michael Ellul) 1.16.8”
Race 4: Gold – Madrileno (Mario Fenech) – 1.16.9”
Race 5: Bronze – Siderant (Ivan Stivala) – 1.18.6”
Race 6: Gold – Quel Imprevu (Paul Galea) – 1.17.5”
Race 7: Premier – Qui Sait (Rodney Gatt) – 1.15.2”
Race 8: Silver – Splendid Du Ravary (Charles Camilleri) – 1.17.6”