MRC team up with HSBC to revive <i>It-Tazza l-Kbira</i>

Following the success of the horse-racing championship in 2006, the Malta Racing Club (MRC), with the financial backing of HSBC, is relaunching the traditional It-Tazza l-Kbira (Big Cup) after an absence of 10 years. The championship gets underway on Sunday and climaxes on Easter Sunday with the presentation of the coveted trophy.

The championship will comprise 10 heats with the first five trotters qualifying for the quarter-, semi- and finals.

This is not the first time HSBC is sponsoring a horse racing event.

The long-standing popularity horse racing enjoys among the thousands of enthusiastic followers has now prompted HSBC to support the revival of the prestigious It-Tazza l-Kbira.

Contrary to other competitions, the Big Cup Championship is open to all trotters and classes.

"Horse racing at Marsa has a great track record and a very popular following among the Maltese public," Shaun Wallis, HSBC's CEO, said.

"HSBC historically has had a long and strong relationship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and is delighted to support the Malta Racing Club."

George Fenech, chairman of the MRC, said: "On behalf of the drivers and supporters of the sport, I express my gratitude towards HSBC for its vital role in keeping the popular horse races alive.

"Reviving It-Tazza l-Kbira further confirms the serious intentions of this bank with a world reputation to truly support initiatives and traditions which are meaningful to the community it operates in."

Fenech also remarked that competitions such as It-Tazza l-Kbira also help to raise the international profile of Maltese horse racing.

"Such events add value to Malta's reputation in Europe, notably France, Sweden, Norway, Germany and the UK," Fenech said.

"These countries have entered into close professional relationships with the MRC. Maltese drivers are now also competing at the most renowned tracks in Europe and leading international drivers are regularly competing with Maltese professionals locally and abroad."

Also present for yesterday's launch of It-Tazza l-Kbira was Anthony De Bono, secretary general of the MRC.