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1Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011

The 2011 horse racing season was also another season full of interest-ing and exciting competitions and championships. The Malta Racing Club managed to organize these competitions thanks to the financial support of a number of entities. As in the past years, in 2011, Malta also hosted once again one of the stages of the Mediterranean Drivers and Jockeys Champi-onships. This was held on the 31st March with Julian Farrugia winning the trotting heat with Magnifique Sablais.

In the past weeks and with the help of a number of colleagues I also organized the first edition of the Malta Horse Racing Awards related to the 2011 season. These awards are also being given extensive promotion in this publication. During this special event we also honored popular drivers Charles Clifton and George “bubuna” Schembri who passed away in the past months.

In this publication one can also find information about the major races in the interna-tional scene and also statistics related to the past season. Finally I would like to thank the companies that once again are sponsoring this publication and all those who help me in compiling this Annual year after year. Special thanks go to the racetrack photog-rapher Alex Azzopardi and also to the MRC officials for their constant support.

Kenneth Vella

M.Ed; B.Ed (Hons); PGDEAM.

Another season full of competitions

The Horse Racing Annual 2011 is published by Kenneth VellaTel: (+356) 79487838 E-mail: [email protected]: Isabel Micallef, Setting and Printing: PRINTIT - PaolaEditor: Kenneth VellaPhotos: Alex AzzopardiAll rights are withheld. This publication cannot be sold and republication in whole or in part is prohibited prior to permission being granted by the publisher.

For latest results, updates and footage about horse races in Malta

visit the website:

www.kennethvella.com

2 Malta Horse Racing

Emirates Airline - It-Tazza il-kbira

Emirates Airline – Dist – 2640m. Class Open.Final 10-4-11

1. Kakisis (J. Axisa) (1.17.6”) 2. Lonshults Anders 3. Lou Petiot 4. Neo de Mira

Winners Semi Finals 27-03-11Semi Final 1

Kakisis (J. Axisa) (1.16”)1. Neo de Mira2. Lonshults Anders3. Madis Boy4. Liosco Atout5.

Winners Quarter Finals 20-3-11Lonshults Anders (1.19.1”) – James de l’Iton (1.17.1”) – Kakisis (1.18.2”) – Marathon Villers (1.18.7”)

Winners Heats 27-02-11Arnie Sensation (1.16.8”) – Magnific As (1.17.5”) – Major Chaleonnais (1.15.6”) – Liosco Atout (1.16.1”) – Wiss Night Hawk (1.17”) – Mon Daniel (1.17.2”) – Livi Cantona (1.16.8”) – Mara-thon Villers (1.16.4”)

Semi Final 2Major Chaleonnais (C. Debono) (1.16.1”)1. Lou Petiot2. Isolated3. Marathon Villers4. Netter Williams5.

3Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011

SECF Championships

Prix de Vincennes Championship Class Premier Dist – 2140mFinal 12-06-11

Master Perrine (H. McKay) (1.15.7”)1. Malin Roro2. Mark de Chamant3. Knock De Manche4.

Winners Semi Finals 29-05-11Semi Final 11. Malin Roro (M. Farrugia) (1.15.7”) 2. Mark de Chamant 3. Joker de Choisel 4. Knock de Manche

Winner Heats 15-05-11Mystere d’Urfist (1.15.6”) – Milord Barbes (1.16.3”) – Malin Roro (1.15.6”)

Final 12-06-11Lord The Best (M. Mifsud) (1.16.8”)1. L’Ideal de Fersan2. Magnifique Sablais3. Natif de Salvi4.

Winners Semi Finals 29-05-11Semi Final 11. Kojak d’Isques (C. Camilleri) (1.19.1”) 2. Le Bon Mayennais 3. Intrus des Rioults 4. Lord The Best 5. Novak

Winners Heats 15-05-11Kojak d’Isques (1.17.4”) – Natif de Salvi (1.17.3”) – Nono d’Echal (1.17.7”)

Prix de Cabourg Championship Class Silver Dist – 2140mFinal 12-06-11

Lys des Etroits (B. Hili) (1.16.5”)1. Midoun du Home2. Obscur de Busset3. King Boy Du Dane4.

Semi Final 21. Kakisis (J. Axisa) (1.15.6”) 2. Master Perrine 3. Marathon Villers4. Le Coup de Foudre 5. Lovely Mab

Semi Final 21.Magnifique Sablais (J. Farrugia) (1.17.3”) 2. Natif de Salvi 3. Marquis Penalan 4. L’Alpha de Cosse 5. L’Ideal de Fersan


SECF Championships continued

Winners Semi Finals 29-05-11Semi Final 11. Oeillet Blanc (C. Camilleri) (1.17.2”) 2. King Boy Du Dane 3. Obscur de Busset 4. Kandy du Fruitier 5. Korentin

Winners Heats 15-05-11Kandy du Fruitier (1.18.5”) – Obscur de Busset (1.19.2”) – Kiton de Bouere (1.18.6”) – Knight Brunel (1.17.9”) – Midoun du Home (1.17.8”) – Oeillet Blanc (1.16.9”)

Prix De Cagnes Sur Mer Championship Class Bronze Dist – 2140mFinal 12-06-11

Moustique Rose 1. (N. Baldacchino) (1.17.7”)

Man Quick2. Jean Perrine3. Kheops d’Ariane4.

Semi Finals 27-05-11Semi Final 1

Moustique Rose (C. Vassallo) (1.18.1”) 1. Man Quick 2. Narbomax 3. Judoka du Rib 4. Nacelle du Bessay 5.

Winners Heats 13-05-11Man Quick (1.17.2”) – Ninio Vici (1.18.2”) – Nimeno (1.17.8”) – Okapi d’Avril (1.18.7”) – Nuthan d’Emi (1.17.3”)

Prix de Caen Championship Class Copper Dist – 2140mFinal 12-06-11

L’Ami du Popey (J. Farrugia) (1.18.5”)1. Leo de Gratens2. Mirage d’Ete3. Noel de Corneville4.

Semi Finals 27-05-11Semi Final 11. Icare de Jemma (T. Demanuele) (1.19.7”) 2. Jibilo du Terme3. L’Ami du Popey 4. Leo de Gratens 5. Loulou de la Rose

Semi Final 21. November Oaks (C. Camilleri) (1.18.2”) 2. Nimeno 3. Judon du Cap Vert 4. Jean Perrine5. Kheops d’Ariane

Semi Final 2 1. Minou de Perdriat (F. Cassar) (1.20.2”) 2. Mirage d’Ete 3. Noel de Corneville 4. Marathon d’Isques 5. Ninio Perrine

Semi Final 21. Oris du Lupin (C. Calleja) (1.15.9”) 2. Lys des Etroits 3. Midoun du Home 4. Kiton de Bouere 5. Knight Brunel

5Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011


Winners Heats 13-05-11Icare de Jemma (1.18.3”) – L’Ami du Popey (1.18.2”) – Mirage d’Ete (1.18.2”)

Prix de Vincennes Championship Class Premier Dist – 2640mFinal 18-12-111. Mig Of The Wood (N. Baldacchino) (1.15”) 2. Nevaio des Bordes3. Joker de Choisel 4. Milord Barbes

Semi Finals 8-12-11Semi Final 11. Major Chaleonnais (C. Debono) (1.16.2”) 2. Noble d’Ete 3. Joker de Choisel 4. Milord Barbes 5. Norman d’Avril

Winners Heats (19-11-11 and 20-11-11)Milord Barbes (1.16.7”) – Major Chaleonnais (1.16”) – Nelson du Val (1.17”)

Prix d’Enghien Championship Class Gold Dist – 2640m.Final 18-12-111. Night Inlet (N. Baldacchino) (1.15.7”) 2. Nomade de Mai 3. Lys des Etroits 4. Naja In Blue

Semi Finals 8-12-11Semi Final 11. Naja In Blue (M. Falzon) (1.16.5”) 2. Magnifique Sablais 3. Orlando Tejy 4. Nomade de Mai 5. Ludo de Bellande

Winners Heats (19-11-11 and 20-11-11)Oscar de la Vallee (1.17.4”) – No Comprendo (1.16.7”) – Night Inlet (1.18.4”) – Ouest du Vivier (1.17.4”)

Semi Final 21. Nevaio des Bordes (B. Hili) (1.15.2”) 2. Mig Of The Wood 3. Nelson du Val 4. Kakisis 5. Mica Bonero

Semi Final 2 1. Ouest du Vivier (C. Calleja) (1.16.3”) 2. Night Inlet 3. Oscar de la Vallee 4. Lys des Etroits 5. Midoun du Home



Prix de Cabourg Championship Class Silver Dist – 2640m.Final 18-12-111. Label Chouan (D. Ellul) (1.15.8”)2. Nagano Phedo 3. Mealington 4. Nevada Silver

Winners Semi Finals 8-12-11Semi Final 11. Nagano Phedo (C. Xerri) (1.17.7”) 2. Nevada Silver 3. Notre Allegro 4. Korentin 5. Ocean Gede

Winners Heats (19-11-11 and 20-11-11)Korentin (1.16.6”) – Nagano Phedo (1.16.6”) – Noble d’Urzy (1.19.3”) – Oscar Mati (1.17.4”) – Mealington (1.17.2”) – Kaki de Peyrahout (1.17.6”)

Prix de Cagnes Sur Mer Championship Class Bronze Dist -2640m.Final 18-12-111. Olifant du Puoy (F. Tanti) (1.17.4”) 2. Marchallach 3. Orgeat 4. Monte Cinto Mag

Semi Finals 8-12-11Semi Final 11. Noble Candeen (E. Bezzina) (1.18.3”) 2. Marchallach 3. Monte Cinto Mag 4. Kamido 5. November Oaks

Winners Heats (19-11-11 and 20-11-11)Kamido (1.18.5”) – Orgeat (1.18.6”) – Orlov du Poncelet (1.18.2”) – Marchallach (1.19.1”) – November Oaks (1.20.5”)

Semi Final 21. Olifant du Puoy (F. Tanti) (1.20.4”) 2. Orgeat 3. Orlov du Poncelet 4. Notre Bellouet 5. Icare de Jemma

Semi Final 21. Label Chouan (D. Ellul) (1.16.8”) 2. Nerval du Donjon 3. Netter Williams 4. Nicos de Peneme 5. Mealington

7Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011


Prix de Caen Championship Class Copper Dist – 2640mFinal 18-12-111. Koko Loco (J. Gafa’) (1.18.7”) 2. New Hope 3. Joker du Cornica 4. Jeo de Touvois

Winners Heats (25-11-11)Kaolin de Bannes (1.21”) – Koko Loco (1.20.5”) – Qualou d’Axel (1.20.2”)

U Bet Championships Dist – 2140m.Final Class Premier 13-02-11

Think Yatzee (C. Vassallo) 1.15”1. Flash Coger2. Wiss Night Hawk3. Isolated4.

Class Gold Final 13-02-11

Lover Boy Index (M. Desira) 1.16.5”1. Mint Spirit2. Gentle Way3. Kosai LJ4.

Winners Heats 30-1-11Notice As (1.16.8”); Livi Cantona (1.16”); Gentle Way (1.16”)

Class SilverFinal 10-02-11

Ironbar (J. Farrugia) (1.17.1”)1. Noble Spirit2. Energy Launcher3. Kobber Dust4.

U Bet Championships


U Bet Championships continued


Prince Brilliance (C. Camilleri) 1.16.5”1. Noble Spirit2. Ironbar3. G Force Son 4.

Winners Heats 16-1-11Matador Knick (1.16.2”); Bankir Zon (1.17.2”); Energy Launcher (1.17.5”).

Class BronzeFinal 10-02-11

Internet (R.Clifton) (1.17.1”)1. Super Swede2. Dandy3. Lady June4.


Belbroughton Road (C. Caruana)1. 1.17.1”

Super Swede 2. Apple Tooma3. Rybo Juvel4.

Winners Heats 16-1-11Rybo Juvel (1.16.4”); Tintin Haleryd (1.17.8”); Lady June (1.17.4”).

Class Copper Final 10-02-11

Supremo As (C. Xerri) 1.17.8”1. Pretty Post2. Staro Braveheart3. Vasterbo Lymmel4.

Winners Heats 30-1-11Napoleon Hjo (1.18.5”); Pretty Post (1.18.5”); Arragon Crown (1.18.5”);

Semi Final 2Matador Knick (C. Farrugia) (1.16.9”)1. Family’s Moonlight2. Energy Launcher3. Vera LH4.

Semi Final 2Kung Fjalar (M.Desira) (1.17.5”)1. Internet2. Lady June3. Dina Maty4.

9Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011

President’s Cup Final

Class Premier. Dist – 2640m.Final 13-12-111. Livi Cantona (C. Camilleri) (1.15.7”) 2. Malin Roro3. Arnie Sensation 4. Nec Carmolo

Semi Finals 27-11-11Semi Final 1 1. True Q (S. Portelli) (1.17.1”) 2. Harmonic Silvio 3. Livi Cantona 4. Natif de Salvi

Semi Final 31. Utah Hornline (R. Clifton) (1.17.2”) 2. Skip Dimanche 3. Lipouz Lesmelchen 4. Troy Boshoeve

Semi Final 21. Nec Carmolo (N. Baldacchino) (1.16”) 2. Arnie Sensation 3. Belafonte 4. Arifant

KMS Equestrian Festival

KMS Equestrian Festival – Dist – 1640m 5-6-11Final Class Premier

Mon Daniel (J. Carabott) (1.13.8”)1. Livi Cantona2. Energy As3. Lucas Ness4.

Final Class GoldKingpin La Marc (R. Gatt) (1.15.5”)1. Candy Fantasy2. Lass John3. Indian Attack4.

Winners Heats – 5-06-11 Big Hit (1.15.3”) – Candy Fantasy (1.13.8”)


KMS Equestrian Festival continued

Class Premier. Dist – 2640m

Winners Heats 27-11-11True Q (1.17.1”) – Nec Carmolo (1.16”) – Flash Coger (1.17.6”) – Utah Hornline (1.17.2”)

Assikura Championship. Dist – 2140m 1-5-11Final Class Premier, Gold and Silver

Count Of Life (C.Camilleri) (1.16.8”1. Baronello2. Obi Wan Kenobi3. Bete Saknussen4.

Winners Heats – 17-4-11Obi Wan Kenobi (1.17”) – Indian Attack (1.17.7”) – Count Of Life (1.16.9”)

Final Class Bronze and Copper. Boston Harbor (G. Attard) (1.17.6”) 1. Lazume Simoni 2. Divinis 3. Great Line 4.

Winners Heats 17-4-11Boston Harbor (1.18.6”) – Great Line (1.18.6”)

Assikura Championship

The President’s Cup Championship

Final Class SilverCharlie Smitt (M.Ellul) (1.15.4”)1. Ocean Brillouard2. Flying As3. Westside Photo4.

Winners Heats – 5-06-11Winner Farming (1.14.3”) – Divinis (1.14.5”) – Newman (1.15.3”)

11Malta Horse Racing

Annual Report 2011

Class Premier. Dist – 2140mFinal 7-6-11

Think Yatzee (C. Vassallo) (1.16.7”)1. Energy Launcher2. Skip Dimanche3. Gentle Way4.

Winners Heats 22-05-11Gentle Way (1.16.5”) – Arnie Sensation (1.16.1”) – Think Yatzee (1.16.1”)

Sette Giugno Cup

VOB Cup Final

Class Premier Dist – 2140m.Final 30-10-11

Livi Cantona (C. Camilleri) (1.14.7”)1. Lou Petiot2. Lipouz Lesmelchen3. Nabab Des Corvees4.

Semi Finals 14-10-11 and 17-10-11Semi Final 1

Livi Cantona (C. Camilleri) (1.16.6”)1. Lipouz Lesmelchen2. Oscarina3. Key Value4. Mentor de l’Iton5.

Winners Heats 30-09-11/2-10-11Carnegie Hall (1.16.1”) – Solid Lady Spin (1.18”) – Keelan (1.17.3”) – Flash Coger (1.15.6”)

Cassar Fuels Competition Winners 28-10-11 and 30-10-11 Dist – 2140m.Class Copper – Nashville Victory (S. Portelli) (1.16.9”)Class Silver – Lutan Villetot (C. Camilleri) (1.16.1”)Class Bronze – Syllabub (R. Gatt) (1.17.3”)Class Gold – Naja In Blue (M. Falzon) (1.16.2”)

Class Premier. Dist – 2140m 28-06-11Isolated (N.Baldacchino) (1.16.8”)1. Mark de Chamant2. Energy Launcher3. Nobel De Grimolout4.

Semi Final 2Lou Petiot (M. Axisa) (1.15.7”)1. Carnegie Hall2. Flash Coger3. Norman d’Avril4. Nabab des Corvees5.

Cassar Fuels Championship


Summer Championships Final Dist 2140m. 22-07-11Class Copper Final – Loulou de la Rose (M. Ellul) – 1.19”Class Bronze Consolation Final – Marchallach (R. Gatt) – 1.18.1”Class Bronze Final – Apple Tooma (M. Ellul) – 1.17.4”Class Silver Consolation Final – Pout de Quelaines (D. Galea) – 1.16.9”Class Silver Final – Master Lupin (R. Gatt) – 1.17”Class Gold Final – Nacarat Campbell (C. Camilleri) – 1.16.3”Class Premier Final – Major Chaleonnais (C. Debono) – 1.14.8”Class Gold Consolation Final – She’s Dreamlike (J. Farrugia) – 1.16.6”

VOB Grand Final.

Pavo Feeds Championship Final.

Class Gold. Dist – 1640m. 30-12-11 1. Nacarat Campbell (R. Gatt) (1.15.3”) 2. Lime Casted 3. Vasterbo Hitchiker 4. Dream Leader

Winners Heats 30-12-11Nacarat Campbell (1.15.7”) – Vasterbo Hitchiker (1.15.4”) – Lime Casted (1.15.1”)

International Race Malta-Sweden Female Drivers.

Class Bronze Dist – 2140m 6-05-111. Nympheta de Bisoir (L. Medelberg) (1.17.7”) 2. Lady June3. Above Roland4. The Womanizer

Summer Championships Final

Klassi Premier. Dist – 2640m. 30-12-111. Livi Cantona (C. Camilleri) (1.16.3”) 2. Joker de Choisel 3. Nevaio des Bordes 4. Arnie Sensation


Annual Report 2011

The Mc Donald’s Mediterranean Derby

The Exotique Challenge Cup

Class Open. Dist – 2140m. 28-10-11Darco As (M. Tanti) (1.17.6”)1. King Boy Du Dane2. Izor Rick3. Brokkur TYC4.

Class Open Dist – 2140m 13-05-11Divinis (C. Magro) (1.17”)1. Mattahari2. Super Mack Grocer3. Izor Rick4.

Malta-Malmo Amateur Race.

Dist – 1750m.Final 7-6-11

Buttermilk (E. Zammit) (1.49.1”)1. Just The Best2. Adorabile Med3.

Semi Finals 27-05-11Semi Final 11. Buttermilk (D. Zammit) (1.50”) 2. Just The Best 3. Uncle Bertie 4. Mayfair Princess

Dist – 2250m.Final 6-11-111. Kimberley Downs (M. Sultana) (2.19.8”) 2. Cheeky Jack 3. Ollie Fliptrik 4. Wildnis

Semi Final 2 1. Kimberley Downs (R. Grima) (1.48.9”)2. Ollie Fliptrik3. Adorabile Med 4. Genievre

Solvalla-Malta Amateur Race.


Dist – 1750m 5-6-11Friarscourt (R. Grima) (1.49.3”)1. Marivan2. Nuage de la Tour3.

Piscopo Gardens Cup Final

Coronation Cup Final

Dist – 1250m 11-12-111. Fyelehk (M. Sultana) 1.12.7” 2. Cheeky Jack 3. Tarruji 4. Ollie Fliptrik

The Exotique Challenge Cup continued

The Butler Cup Final

Dist - 1750m 5-6-11Etoile du Pic (E. Zammit) (1.50.4”)1. Letthewordgoforth2. Walker3.

Semi Finals 23-10-11Semi Final 11. Kimberley Downs (M. Sultana) (2.20”) 2. Wildnis 3. Friarscourt 4. Ollie Fliptrik

Semi Final 21. Cheeky Jack (R. Grima) (2.19.5”) 2. Prince Yarraman 3. Genievre 4. Lite North Wind


Annual Report 2011

The Malta Horse Racing Awards 2011

The first Malta Horse Racing Awards were held on Friday 24th February at the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra. The presentations’ night, organised thanks to the initiative of Kenneth Vella, KMS Director, rewarded the sport’s main protagonists throughout the year. Thirteen awards were presented during the ceremony with the main honours going to Noel Baldacchino (best driver), Ramon Grima as best jockey, Rodney Gatt as best apprentice driver while Major Chaleonnais and Ollie Fliptrik were honoured as the most consistent horses.

Malta Horse Racing AwardsAll winners

Driver of the yearNoel Baldacchino

Best Driver under 25 of the yearRodney Gatt

Best Jockey of the yearRamon Grima

Most Consistent TrotterMajor Chaleonnais

Best ThoroughbredOllie Fliptrik


The Malta Horse Racing Awards 2011

Lifetime Achievement AwardRaymond Clifton

Lifetime Achievement AwardIn Vitro Du Bourg

Memorial AwardGeorge Schembri

International Achievement AwardMichael Sultana

Lifetime Achievement AwardJames De L’Iton

Memorial AwardCharles Clifton

Award for the Most Outstanding HorseLivi Cantona

Award for the Most Exciting FinalKakisis


Annual Report 2011

International Races

Prix d’Amerique - Ready Cash strikes it rich in ParisHighly-fancied French trotter Ready Cash, led by young driver Franck Nivard, is the winner of the 2011 one million euro Prix d’Amerique. The 90th edition of this prestigious international race was staged at the Hippodrome de Vincennes in Paris on Sunday 30th January 2011 on the long distance of 2,700m. Eighteen horses lined up for this final which attracted a crowd of over 50,000 spectators.It was Italian Lana de Rio (Santo Mollo) which surged ahead in the early stages but, midway through the distance, this Italian mare changed pace and was disqualified. It was overtaken by Swedish Maharajah (Orjan Kihlstrom) which opened a length lead from Ready Cash and Nuit Torride (Bernard Biton). With 200 metres to go, Nivard steered Ready Cash ahead and this horse went on to pass the post first in an average time of 1:12.1 per kilometre from Maharajah, Olga du Biwetz (Eric Raffin) and last year’s winner Oyonnax (Sebastien Ernault).This was Ready Cash’s first win at the Prix d’Amerique while Nivard achieved his second victory following his maiden success two years ago with Meaulnes du Corta. One of the trainers of second-placed horse Maharajah is Massimo Vassallo. He has been working as a professional trainer in Sweden since 2004.

Libeccio Grif first in Lotteria d’AgnanoOn Sunday 8th May 2011, the 62nd edition of the Gran Premio Lotteria d’Agnano was held at Agnano Race-track in Naples. This competition consisted of three heats on a mile distance with the first three horses of each heat qualified for the final race that was held during the same meeting. The three heats were won by Irving Rivarco (Roberto Vecchione), Lana del Rio (Santo Mollo) and Mack Grace SM (Tommaso di Lorenzo). Libeccio Grif (Marco Smorgon) finished first in the final race. This horse registered an average time of 1.12.8” per kilometer.

German Brioni triumphs in ElitloppetOn Sunday 29th May the 2011 edition of the Elitloppet was held at the Solvalla Racetrack in Sweden. This competition consisted of two heats on a mile distance with the first four horses from each heat qualified for the final race that was held during the same meeting. The two heats were won by French Rapide Lebel (Eric Raffin) and American Arch Madness (Bjorn Goop). German Brioni (Joakim Lovgren) triumphed in the final race in an average time of 1.10.5” per kilometer.

Victoire Pisa wins Dubai World Cup.A Japanese horse claimed first prize in “the world’s richest horse race” for the first time since 1996 when Victoire Pisa galloped to victory at the Meydan race course in Dubai on Saturday 26th March 2011.Rid-den by jockey Italian jockey Mirco Demuro and trained by Katsuhiko Sumii, the four-year-old claimed the emotional victory after edging ahead of second placed Transcend, also of Japan. A tearful Demuro dedicated his victory to the people of Japan before breaking down in tears The Dubai World Cup was sponsored by Emirates Airline. said the winning jockey as he was enthusiastically congratulated by Japa-nese colleagues.The victory earned Victoire’s owners the Dubai World Cup trophy for the first time as well as a $10m cheque. Local favourite Monterosso of the Godolphin stable claimed third place while Henry Cecil’s hotly-tipped Twice Over ended in a disappointing ninth place. With a total prize money of $24mil-lion for the day of racing the Dubai World Cup fixture is one of the most closely followed race meets in the world.

Ballabriggs triumphs in Grand NationalSeveral runners fall at Bechers Brook in the John Smith Grand National during Grand National Day held on Saturday 9th April 2011 at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. Two horses died during the race, drawing protests from animal rights protesters at Britain’s most watched horserace. It is estimated that over 50 per cent of the UK adult population bet on the race, which was won by 14-1 chance Ballabriggs. Ballabriggs was trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Jason Maguire. This horse beat Oscar Time, partnered by amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen. McCain was cementing his family’s links with the world’s most famous steeplechase, his father Ginger having sent out Red Rum to memorably win three Grand Nationals in the 1970s.

Animal Kingdom first in the 137th edition of the Kentucky DerbyOn Saturday 7th May 2011, Animal Kingdom won the 137th Kentucky Derby for his first victory on dirt, delivering jockey John Velazquez his first Derby win in 13 tries after losing a favoured mount. In two of the most unlikely stories in Derby history, the 20-1 longshot colt won the American horse racing classic in only his fifth career start. Animal Kingdom covered the 1 1/4-mile in 2mins 2.04secs at famed Churchill Downs, charging up the middle of the track over the final stretch to defeat runner-up Nehro by over two lengths. Mucho Macho Man was third in a field of 19.


Danedream wins Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe On Sunday 9th October 2011, German horse Danedream captured the coveted Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in a record time at a sweltering Longchamp. The 20-1 three-year-old won by five lengths from Shareta, and Snow Fairy completed an all-filly top three. Workforce, bidding to become the first back-to-back Arc winner for 33 years, finished well adrift in 12th place. Earlier Frankie Dettori celebrated the 500th Group-race winner of his career when he rode Dabirsim to victory in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. Danedream’s time of two minutes 24.49 seconds eclipsed the previous best in the showpiece, set by Peintre Celebre in 1997, by 11/100’s of a second. Ridden by Andrasch Starke, Peter Schiergen’s filly sprinted clear in devastating fashion inside the final furlong to add to her two Group One victories in her homeland.

Dunaden first in Melbourne CupFrench horse Dunaden shrugged off a late jockey change to win a thrilling Melbourne Cup by the nar-rowest of margins from English stayer Red Cardeaux. This race was organised on November 1st 2011. Dunaden’s regular jockey Craig Williams was a late suspension from the race and Frenchman Christophe Lemaire was flown in from Tokyo as a replacement. Judges had to blow up the photo finish image four times more than usual to determine the winner. German horse Lucas Cranach was third, ahead of 2010 winner Americain. Victory landed owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani of Qatar US $3.8 million.

Kauto Star wins King George VI ChaseOn Monday 26th December 2011, Kauto Star won the King George VI Chase race which was held at the Kempton Park Racetrack in England. Ridden by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star triumphed in this race for the 5th time in its career. Kauto Star is trained by Paul Nicholls. Kauto Star passed Desert Orchids’s mark of four wins in the King George VI Chase and is being compared to the legendary Ankle.

Mediterranean Championships 2011

Win for Julian Farrugia in the Mediterranean Championship Drivers’ HeatFor the third consecutive year, on Thursday 31st March 2011, Malta hosted a stage of the Mediterranean Championship for drivers and for jockeys. Gozitan driver Julian Farrugia represented our country in the drivers’ heat while Eric Zammit was our representative in the jockeys’ heat. Farrugia finished first with Magnifique Sablais.The drivers’ heat was held on a short distance of 2140m and apart from Farrugia, participated drivers from Slovenia, Ukraine, Italy, France, Russia and Serbia. It was Maltese driver Julian Farrugia which led all the way with Magnifique Sablais. This horse obtained the second win of the season easily by a length from Zerbin (Antonio Esposito – Italy), Money Boy (Ajda Dolinsek – Slovenja) and Oscardo du Val (Lev Kieselev – Russia). The winner clocked an average time of 1.17.3” per kilometer. The jockeys’ heat was run on a long distance of 2250m and here we had the participation of six jockeys. Zammit faced professional counterparts from Russia, Marocco, Tunisia, France and Italy. Minnow, mount-ed by Tunisian Mounir Mansouri, was first out of the blocks. But this horse started slowing down 400m from the finishing line and was overtaken by Ollie Fliptrik (Alexandre Pillet – France) which obtained its second win of the season from Genievre (Alessandro Muzzi – Italy) and Minnow (Mounir Mansouri – Tu-nisia). Zammit’s Lordswood seemed not to be in good form and did not manage to get a good place. This race had a total time of 2.19.2”.

Other Maltese participants in the Mediterranean Championship in 2011 – Mediterranean Drivers ChampionshipIn other heats of the Mediterranean Championship for drivers Malta was represented by – 2nd heat – 8/5/11 - Agnano Racetrack in Naples – Charlo’ Debono (6th with Mr Tivoli).3rd heat – 12/6/11 - Beograd Racetrack in Serbia – Clint Vassallo (5th ).4th heat – 12/8/11 – Cagnes Sur Mer Racetrack in France – Noel Baldacchino (4st with Quasimo de Bolero).5th heat – 28/8/11 – Voronezh Racetrack in Russia – Tony Demanuele – (4th)(Final Classification – Italy – 42 points; Russia – 34 points; Malta and Slovenia – 33 points; Ukraine – 32 points; Serbia and France – 23 points; Croatia – 9 points and Spain 1 point).

International Races continued


Annual Report 2011

Mediterranean Jockeys ChampionshipIn the Mediterranean Championship for Jockeys, Malta was represented by – 1st heat – 13/2/11 – Cagnes Sur Mer Racetrack in France – Michael Sultana finished in 5th place. 3rd heat – 6/5/11 – Casablanca Racetrack in Maroc – Ramon Grima (did not take part due to excessive weight)4th heat – 29/5/11 – Tunis Racetrack in Tunisia – Malta did not take part.5th heat – 12/6/11 – Beograd Racetrack in Serbia – Oliver Briffa (4th place). 6th heat – 8/12/11 – Mediterranean Racetrack in Sicily, Italy – Sarah Borg (whose horse Super Indian did not start the race)(Final Classification – Tunisia - 54 points; Russia 53 points; France 49 points; Italy 44 points; Izrael 28 points; Marocco 26 points, Serbia 21 points and Malta 17 points).

Win for Jason Vassallo in EskilstunaOn Tuesday 31st May 2011, Jason Vassallo managed to win a major race at the Eskilstuna Racetrack while driving Swedish horse Hulot. This autostart race was run on a short distance of 2140m. Hulot, owned by Maltese Alfred Grima, finished first in an average time of 1.15.4” per kilometer and infront of Tappainte-hoppet (Claes Sjostrom) and Revenique (Ake Lindblom).

Sundbyholm-Malta Amateur RaceAn international race between Swedish drivers and Maltese counterparts was also organized at the Es-kilstuna racetrack on Tuesday 31st May 2011. Malta was represented by Michael Ghigo, Charles Magro, Jason Vassallo, Karl Debono, Alan Agius and Eugenio Bondin. It was Zinette driven by Asa Lindberg which finished first in an average time of 1.16.8” per kilometer on a short distance of 2140m. Zinette won in front of Maltese driver Michael Ghigo with Lilo and Finnish Mervi Laakkonen with Finish Lightning.

Sicily-Malta Encounter RacesOn Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July 2011 an encounter competition between Sicilian Professional Driv-ers and a number of Maltese drivers was held at the Mediterranean Racetrack in Syracuse, Sicily. This competition was held on two heats, one reserved for Italian drivers and another one for Maltese drivers with the first five drivers from each heat qualified for the final. All races were held on the mile distance.The first heat for Sicilian drivers which was held on Friday 29th July, was won by L. Messineo with Lapidus Jid in an average time of 1.16.9” per kilometer. This from Felix del Rio (S. D’Aluisi), Misdi (A. Porzio) and Liverpool (C. Giordano). Carmelo Farrugia triumphed in the second heat with Merico and in an average time of 1.15.2” per kilometer and from Little Dream Gar driven by Christian Xerri. Miura Jet (Brian Hili), Malva Purpurea (Rodney Gatt) and Lionel (Tony Demanuele) ended in third, fourth and fifth place. The final race was organized on Saturday 30th July and it was Stefano d’Aluisi which won this race with Mutuss. The winner did an average time of 1.16.8” per kilometer and won from Mondello Or (G. San-severino) and Ianus (L. Messineo). Tony Demanuele finished the best Maltese driver in this final with Marcus Caf which ended in fourth place. Other Maltese drivers that lined up for this race were Christian Xerri, Carmelo Farrugia, Noel Baldacchino and Jason Vassallo.

Finland-Malta RaceOn Sunday 14th August 2011, seven Maltese drivers took part in an international race with Finnish driv-ers. This race was held at the Kokemaki Racetrack in Finland and the Maltese drivers were Frank Portelli, Peter Paul Said, Joseph Schembri, Warren Spiteri, David Ellul, Mark Tanti and Toni Tanti. The race, on a short distance of 2100m was won by Finnish driver Kimmo Niemala with Princess Bob. Frank Portelli finished third with Sundsvik Southwind and in front of Florrie Southwind (Peter Paul Said) and Joseph Schembri with Faith Springhill. This Maltese participation was co-ordinated by Shawn Formosa.

Noel Baldacchino in Paris raceOn Saturday 3rd December 2011, the international race Prix des Reincontres Internationales du Trot was held at the Vincennes Racetrack in Paris, France. Malta was represented by 2010 champion driver Noel Baldacchino who drove outsider Nophenio de Lune in the autostart race. Nophenio de Lune changed pace in the final metres and was disqualified. The race was won by Oleron Senonchois, driven by M.A. Bovay. Neron de l’Ante (H.P. Tholfsen) and Narval d’Ecajuel (V. Rimsa) finished second and third respectively. The winner recorded an average time of 1.14.7” per kilometre.

Mediterranean Championships 2011


Statistics 2011

Best Jockey classification 2011

Pos name & surname starts 1st 2nd 3rd nP Dis Points

1 Ramon Grima 20 9 5 4 6 0 100

2 Michael Sultana 17 9 3 3 3 2 87

3 Oliver Briffa 23 3 7 6 9 0 74

4 Sarah Borg 20 4 2 3 13 0 47

5 Demis Zammit 15 1 3 4 8 1 34

Best thoroughBreD classification 2011

Pos name & surname starts 1st 2nd 3rd nP Dis Points

1 Ollie Fliptrik 15 3 2 3 6 0 46

2 Kimberley Downs 7 5 0 1 1 0 39

3 Cheeky Jack 5 2 3 0 0 0 29

4 Nuage de la Tour 6 2 1 2 1 0 26

5 Tarruji 6 3 0 1 1 0 25

Best Driver u/25 classification 2011

Pos name & surname starts 1st 2nd 3rd 4th nP Dis Points

1 Rodney Gatt 212 35 33 13 13 63 52 416

2 Shaun Portelli 117 11 12 13 9 63 9 160

3 Redent Magro 62 7 3 8 6 33 5 83

4 James Briffa 48 7 4 0 3 24 10 68

5 Nathaniel Barbara 23 3 2 1 1 10 6 32

Best Driver classification 2011


1 Noel Baldacchino 327 37 39 36 30 122 63 517

2 Charles Camilleri 273 41 37 25 31 92 44 516

3 Rodney Gatt 212 35 33 13 13 63 52 416

4 Julian Farrugia 224 31 25 17 20 91 40 371

5 Charlò Debono 125 19 13 11 11 52 19 218

Best trotter classification 2011


1 Major Chaleonnais 15 7 5 0 0 1 2 69

2 Magnifique Sablais 17 7 3 3 1 3 0 68

3 Livi Cantona 18 8 2 1 1 3 2 67

4 Master Lupin 20 7 3 2 1 5 2 66

5 Energy Launcher 19 6 1 6 1 3 1 59

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