LAST Sunday, Malta Racing Club hosted the fifth Ladies International Championship at Marsa Racetrack. The winner, Italian Maria Giovanna Bortolanza, impressed in driving a winner and a second, gaining 28 points. Taking the placings, Lithuanian Gedvile Vinslauskaite (second) and Norwegian Renate Aarlie (third) both gained 24 points.

Irish representative Brenda Hudson was among the 19 best female drivers. In her first race, after leading all the way on Italian-bred gelding Orsini, her mount went off-stride in the final 200 metres. However, Brenda proved her title of best sportswoman by accepting the unlucky result with grace.

“It would have meant the icing on the cake, to have held on to my lead another fraction and have rewarded my amazing supporters, both those present trackside and watching and betting around the world; but the look on Maria’s face when securing the championship for Italy was priceless. It’s all about sharing, participating, offering, respecting, trusting. That’s what sport means to me, and I’ve had my share of luck, so you take the rough with the smooth.”

Was Brenda disappointed? “How could I be. I had just spend four days in the beautiful Maltese sunshine, been treated like royalty and made new amazing friends.” She thanked the Irish Harness Racing Association, sponsors Kerry Group, SportMalta, Malta Racing Club, the owners and trainers who provided the horses and lastly, and Thomas and Lorraine Cunningham for organising her trip.