Light Med brightens up flat final to win cup

Don Valentino takes silver honoursOf the nine events in yesterday's 10th meeting of the season, two were flat races on the 1,750m distance. The 2010 Burmarrad Commercials Cup was up for grabs in the second flat race.

The Silver race was the highlight of the other seven trotting events, all on the rather long 2,640m distance.

Light Med, controlled by Charles Pace, stormed to victory in this year's Burmarrad Commercials Cup in only its third race in Malta. The winner led from start to finish to make it two victories on the trot. Lordswood and Just The Best were second and third respectively.

In the first flat race, Generous Spirit and Daisy Girl dashed out of the starting cage without their jockey. After being caught, the two entries were led back to the starting line.

For the record, Mean Mr Mustard, ridden by Demis Zammit, won the race by four lengths after taking the lead 500m from the post. Laparisienne and Crocolyrique placed second and third in that order.

Four trotters sprinted closely together along the last 100m of the Silver race. The photo finish had to be consulted but the horse that passed the post first was eventually disqualified.

Victory was awarded to Don Valentino, under the charge of Gozitan driver Julian Farrugia. Nuthan D'Emi and Gandhi Brograd were classified second and third respectively.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 7, starting at 1.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, Koehchel Baz (R. Magro).

Race 2: Copper, Hawkear (R. Gatt).

Race 3: Flat Class A, Mean Mr Mustard (D. Zammit).

Race 4: Bronze, Orasi Index (V. Vassallo).

Race 5: Bronze, Judon Du Cap Vert (N. Baldacchino).

Race 6: Silver, Don Valentino (J. Farrugia).

Race 7: Flat Open, Burmarrad Commercials Cup final, Light Med (C. Pace).

Race 8: Bronze, Great Line (T. Demanuele).

Race 9: Bronze, Preem M.S. (I. Borg).