First win in Malta for Gibaldi De Houelle in Premier race

Saturday’s card also included the two semi-finals from the Tazza San Frangisk championship for class Copper trotters on a short distance of 2140 metres. This championship is being organised with the financial support of Gain Equine Nutrition.

Thirteen trotters lined up in the class Premier race. Gibaldi De Houelle (Rodney Gatt) started to increase its speed during the last 500 metres and sealed its first win in Malta by a length from Hiant Du Val (Jonathan Zammit).

The early leader, Fitzy De Vive (Laura Frendo), finished third from Mon’s Tornado (James Briffa). The winner clocked an average time of 1.15.6” per kilometer.

From the two class Copper semi-finals, twelve trotters made it to the final stage. In the first semifinal, Paul Galea put favourite Espoir d’Amour in front midway through the final straight.

This French trotter took its second win in a row by a length from Galys Du Patural (Frederick Mallia), Rose Lloyd (Dwayne Farrugia), and Iriac Du Passage (Charles Camilleri). Fangio Du Bocage (Rodney Gatt) and Eald Breed (Noel Baldacchino) ended respectively in fifth and sixth place.   

Another French trotter, Ice Dream Keruzoc (Mauro Attard) obtained its first win in Malta in the second semifinal Copper and after sustaining the challenge of Jenna Du Val D’Or (Frederick Mallia) in the final metres.

Jasmin De Coulamer (Clifton Farrugia), Cadol De La Noemie (Mario Falzon), Gringo Marancourt (Kirsten Axisa) and Invictus Boy (Oliver Briffa) followed home in that order.

Another meeting at the Marsa Racetrack will be held on Saturday. The first race should start at 1.30pm.

Saturday’s winners

Race 1. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Cinik D’Aghi (Herman McKay) – 1.15.2”

Race 2. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Genialissime (Jason Vassallo) – 1.15.4”

Race 3. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Hamlet Du Vivier (Clint Vassallo) – 1.14.8”

Race 4. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Vincent As (Oliver Briffa) – 1.14.5”

Race 5. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. The Lion (Rodney Gatt) – 1.15.1”

Race 6. Tazza San Franġisk Gain Equine Nutrition Semifinal. Class Copper. Dist – 2140m. 1. Espoir D’Amour (Paul Galea) – 1.16.4”

Race 7. Tazza San Franġisk Gain Equine Nutrition Semifinal. Class Copper. Dist – 2140m. 1. Ice Dream Keruzoc (Mauro Attard) – 1.15.9”

Race 8. Class Premier. Dist – 3140m. 1. Gibaldi De Houelle (Rodney Gatt) – 1.15.6”

Race 9. Bavaria Championship Heat. Class Gold. Dist – 2640m. 1. Ecrin Du Layon (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.15.3”