The 16th meeting of the season at Marsa Racetrack, yesterday, was made up of eight races, all for trotters.

Certainly, the four most important events on the card were a Premier Class race, on a long distance of 3,140 metres, and three semi-finals from the Krafft Championship for Silver Class trotters on a shorter 2,140 metres.

Sixteen horses lined up for the Premier race.

Quartz Pierji (Carmelo Farrugia) was the fastest horse at first, opening a half-length’s lead from Quiqui Gaillard (Andrew Farrugia) and Wiss Roadrunner (Mario Farrugia).

However, with 300m to go Quartz Pierji failed to keep the pace going and was eventually overtaken by Quiqui Gaillard which notched its first win in Malta ahead of Wiss Roadrunner and favourite Ripsos De Fa (Ivan Bilocca). Ourselves (Rodney Gatt) was fourth.

Quiqui Gaillard’s average time was 1.16.9” per kilometre.

Meanwhile, 12 horses qualified for the final stage of the Silver Class championship.

A keen tussle between four trotters developed in the final metres of the first semi-final as Wonderofyou (Julian Farrugia) secured its third win in a row in front of two Dutch trotters, Zizazimoko (Tony Demanuele) and Udice Boko (Charles Camilleri).

Orion Du Vaumicel (Frenċu Cassar) was fourth.

In the next semi-final, early leader Que Je T’Aime Rush (Julian Farrugia) was outsmarted by Command Coger (Carmelo Farrugia) midway through the straight.

Ramses De Tyrole (Anton Cassar) and Pema (Charles Farrugia) also progressed to the final.

Tresor De Quesny, under the guidance of Danish professional driver Gordon Dahl, seized the lead with a lap to go in the third Silver race.

This French trotter ran unimpeded till the end to beat Rocky Composite (Noel Baldacchino) and Madame Inkato (George Grech) at the post. Rex Rose (Patrick Spiteri) followed home in fourth place.

During yesterday’s meeting at the racetrack, Charles Camilleri was honoured as the best driver for the months of January and February.

He was presented with a commemorative plaque by Warren James, on behalf of sponsors Gold Lady Jewellery.

Another meeting at the racetrack will be held on Friday evening.

Yesterday’s winners

Race 1: Bronze – Lajos Bellan (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.17”
Race 2: Silver – Reveal Champ Blanc (Tony Cauchi) – 1.17”
Race 3: Silver – Wonderofyou (Julian Farrugia) – 1.16.6”
Race 4: Silver – Command Coger (Carmelo Farrugia) – 1.16.3”
Race 5: Gold – Peanut Butter (Gordon Dahl – Denmark) – 1.16.2”
Race 6: Silver – Tresor De Quesny (Gordon Dahl – Denmark) – 1.16.4”
Race 7: Premier – Quiqui Gaillard (Andrew Farrugia) – 1.16.9”
Race 8: Gold – Roseau Du Hamel (Paul Galea) – 1.16.3”

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