By MAGNAT

Two race-meetings will be held this weekend at the Marsa race track. The first is scheduled for next Friday at 7pm with the second being held on Sunday commencing at 2pm.

Eight races are scheduled in each meeting, all of which are trotting races except for a flat race for Class A thoroughbreds (third race on Friday) on a long 2,250m distance and featuring six horses.

All trot classes will be in action this weekend over the 2,640m distance, but centre-stage will be occupied by the four Dragonara Casino Championship Heats (two on Friday and another two on Sunday) which should feature 50 top trotters all of which were in the Premier class on registration for this Championship.
Five horses from each heat will qualify for the semi-finals of this Championship.

Although champion In Vitro du Bourg has been kept at rest for this competition, various leading horses are registered to compete, including James de l’Iton, Think Yatzee, Arnie Sensation Madis Boy, Kakisis, My Red Force, and many others.

These two meetings include also no less than three Gold class races in total, a number of whose participants are popular horses such as Gigo Lloyd, Nevermind, Match de Bannes and others, and horses coming from some very good performances such as Major Luchois and Chef F.C. who won their last race and Zerbin who placed second on its recent debut, and others.
Six horses are scheduled to make their debut: Muscle Nugget (SE) in the Bronze class, Vito Corleone (SE) in the Silver class and Enjoy Kronos (IT), Mica Bonero (FR), Lucas Ness (SE) and Play on Me (SE) in the Dragonara Casino Championship Heats (Premier class).

Last Sunday’s meeting also included some noteworthy features. The Gold class race was won by Mustang de Belfin at its second race in Malta and it was promoted to the Premier class. The average time registered on the 2,640m distance is a commendable 1’17’6 per kilometre.

Two 14-year old veterans, Ilex Garden in the Copper class and It’s My Way in the Silver class, won their respective races, showing that when in good care, health and form, such veterans still have a lot to offer.

We also saw the second Monte’ race this season, which featured eight participants from different classes with the most qualified horses starting at a 20 metre handicap compared to horses coming from lower classes. It was interesting to see how Premier class trotter Knock de Manche managed to overcome its handicap and beat the other horses to register its second consecutive win.

Naturally, building up interest in a new discipline is far from easy and will take some time, but it is encouraging to note that the race featured some new horses which did not participate in the first race and that the average time of 1’18’3 was an improvement on that registered in the first monte’ race a few weeks ago. We encourage the Malta Racing Club to continue in its endeavours to promote this discipline and to continue organising such races regularly, thus generating further variety and interest for spectators, drivers, owners and the horses themselves.

In conclusion, we note with satisfaction the efforts being made to improve the standard of dress at the race-course. The enforcement of the dress code of participants in races and training and a minimum standard of dress from spectators is very important and should constitute another step towards further enhancing this sport’s professional image and making the race-course a more attractive place.

Perhaps more importantly, this should also ensure that drivers and trainers wear the most suitable protective clothing for their work, thus avoiding accidents which could be dangerous for both the individuals and horses involved as well as others.

We wish you all another two exciting meetings and a successful Dragonara Casino Championship.