Akela Play Wins 2nd Edition of the Southern Region Local Councils’ Race

Every race has a story and the 2nd Edition of the Southern Region Local Councils’ race is proof of this. Akela Play had only finished 5th in the preliminary qualifying race but as per regulations due to the withdrawal of 3rd placed Infinite Knight he became one of the finalists. Drawing number 1 and paired with the Zejtun Local Council his owners Alessio and John Paul Vella asked Noel Baldacchino to drive him in the race as his regular driver already had a ride. Baldacchino had already driven Akela Play once during his third local start which was the first time he had been promoted to the Premier category.

In Sunday’s race he was not one of the most fancied horses for the victory quoted at €35.80 with the Malta Equibet but he got a perfect ride on the inside getting out just in time for his usual fantastic sprint seeing him open up multiple lengths from the rest of the field taking him past the finishing line quite comfortably. The trophy presentation was done by Southern Region President Jesmond Aquilina on behalf of the Zejtun Local Council who were winning the shield for the 2nd consecutive year.

Photo: Alex Azzopardi