Swedish championship draw

The draw for the finals of the Swedish U*Bet Championship was held at the Malta Racing Club, in Marsa, yesterday.

The competition, which started on January 10, is contested by Swedish-born horses registered with the Malta Racing Club.

The finals, scheduled for next Sunday, will comprise five categories - Premier, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper.

Before the draw, MRC chairman Dr Matthew Brincat explained that in the past few years the number of horses imported from Sweden and registered with the club had risen considerably.

Dr Brincat also noted that the level of racing in the semi-finals and heats stages was of the highest in recent years.

"This all augurs well for an exciting day next Sunday as all five finals should be heavily contested by all participants," he said.

Maltco Lotteries are sponsoring the championship for the second year running.

"At Maltco we are happy to be sponsoring this event again," the firm's general director Mario Cassar said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Brincat and his associates for all the good work they are doing for Maltese horse racing."

The cash prizes to be distributed on Sunday will be €1,950 (Premier), €1,455 (gold), €1,175 (silver), €800 (bronze) and €615 (copper).

The draw

Copper: 1. Niagara Crown, 2. Cash Collector, 3. Juliette Rodney, 4. All The World, 5. Nashville Victory, 6. Napoleon Hjo, 7. Kenta Laday, 8. Expect High, 9. Angel Crown G.J.

Bronze: 1. Xenia Mic, 2. Piccola Zanzara, 3. Instead of Cash, 4. Ingo Moon, 5. Internet, 6. Lancaster, 7. Monsieur Portos, 8. Robin Lou, 9. King Fisher, 10. Jet Starline, 11. Arragon Crown.

Silver: 1. Lex Wall, 2. Noble Spirit, 3. G. Force Son, 4. Aces Americ, 5. Prince Brilliance, 6. Gingoro, 7. Black Guy, 8. Notice As, 9. Keep In, 10. Gigo Lloyd.

Gold: 1. Mr Playstation, 2. Biggles Coquet, 3. Charlie Smitt, 4. Angel Victory, 5. Power Cape, 6. Race Ball, 7. Nolan Streamline, 8. Schejken Bill, 9. Hawkeye de Marco, 10. Hudson Blue.

Premier: 1. Shamin, 2. Really Good, 3. Jet Space, 4. Isolated, 5. Tough East, 6. Bello Fratello, 7. Lajos Useful, 8. Alf Eme, 9. Arnie Sensation, 10. Think Yatzee.