Velvet Gio wins President’s Cup in new record time

Driven by Rodney Gatt, favourite Velvet Gio won Sunday’s major event at the Marsa Racetrack. This was the 2024 edition of the EquestriMalta President’s Cup for class Premier trotters on a short distance of 2140 metres.

This final formed part of the 38th Meeting of the season consisting of eight races all for trotters. Rodney Gatt managed to win his sixth President’s Cup in his career.

Twelve trotters lined up for the class Premier final.

As expected Velvet Gio (Rodney Gatt) was the fastest horse at first, opening a small lead from Formi (Joe Schembri) and Akela Play (Charles Degorgio).

With a lap to go, Velvet Gio was still going strong and managed to win easily by four lengths from Douglas Du Pont (Ludvic Ghigo) and Disco D’Occagnes (Redent Magro). Akela Play had to settle for fourth place from Diablo D’Herfraie (Michael Ellul).  

At the end of the final, President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono presented the winning trophy to Pierre, Matthew and Elton Debono and Rodney Gatt the owners and driver respectively of the winning horse.

Velvet Gio triumphed in this final in a new record time of the race of 1.13.5” per kilometre.

For this Italian trotter, this was its third win in a row in this championship and also its fifth win of the season.  

Sunday’s card also included another two final races for shetland trotters driven by children.

The first final open for ponies from class Copper, Bronze and Silver was won by Spotty Lady (Owen Debono) which led all the way.

The second final for ponies registered in class Premier and Gold was also won by Owen Debono.

Driving Black Flame, Debono crossed the finishing post easily by four lenghts from Timkaty (Mikhael Borg).

Another meeting at the Marsa Racetrack will be held on Friday. The first race should start at 7pm.

Sunday’s winners

Race 1. Class Copper. Dist – 2640m. 1. Fort De France (Joe Farrugia) – 1.20”

Race 2. Class Copper. Dist – 2640m. 1. Inteam Du Gers (Kurt Saliba) – 1.19”

Race 3. Class Bronze. Dist – 2640m. 1. Galaxie D’Azur (Paul Galea) – 1.18”

Race 4. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Hegoa Smart (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.18”

Race 5. Class  Silver. Dist – 2640m. 1. Emile Du Var (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.16.8”

Race 6. EquestriMalta President’s Cup. Class Premier. Dist – 2140m. 1. Velvet Gio (Rodney Gatt) – 1.13.5″

Race 7. Class Silver. Dist – 2640m. 1. Imperial Du Stade (Rodney Gatt) – 1.17.5″

Race 8. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Lazy Breeze (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.16.7”