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 Vella Tel: (+356) 79487838 E-mail: [email protected]Design: Isabel Micallef, Setting and Printing: PRINTIT - Paola Editor: Kenneth Vella Photos: Alex Azzopardi All 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
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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”)
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
4 Malta Horse Racing
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.
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
SECF Championships continued
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
6 Malta Horse Racing
SECF Championships continued
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 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
SECF Championships continued
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
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
12 Malta Horse Racing
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”
Semi Final 21. Cheeky Jack (R. Grima) (2.19.5”) 2. Prince Yarraman 3. Genievre 4. Lite North Wind
15Malta Horse Racing
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
16 Malta Horse Racing
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
17Malta Horse Racing
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.
18 Malta Horse Racing
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
19Malta Horse Racing
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.