This year's Assikura Insurance Brokers Ltd harness racing championship for Gold Class trotters has reached a decisive stage with the final scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Marsa Racetrack.
The qualifying heats were held earlier this month with the participation of no fewer than 50 trotters. The semi-finals followed on February 15, determining the nine finalists for Sunday's race, the seventh on the card and starting at 4pm.
Among those challenging for the top prize are two horses that contested last year's final – Prince Gaillard (which finished fourth) and Wies Buitenzorg.
Quermes Rush also did well in the semi-finals to qualify for Sunday's race but this horse was eventually scratched before the draws were made on Tuesday.
The nine horses and drivers in the final will be Prince Gaillard (Charles Camilleri); Quito de Neret (Noel Baldacchino); Quel Imprevu (Carmelo Micallef); Starfirefinnfemfel (Julian Farrugia); Quel Homme (Rodney Gatt); Record du Mexique (Marvin Cauchi); Ofackevo (Julian Farrugia); Wies Buitenzorg (Eric Bezzina); and Cowboy Party (Chris Cassar).
The winner on Sunday gets €900 and €400 go to the runner-up.
Meanwhile, the Assikura Championship for the Bronze category horses got underway last week.
Seven races were held and 84 horses took part. In all, 28 trotters qualified for the semi-finals which will be held on March 8.
The Assikura Bronze Class final is scheduled for March 19.