Emirates Airline yesterday announced that it has become the official sponsor of Malta's prestigious trotting trophy, It-Tazza l-Kbira, for the next three seasons.

The coveted trophy is awarded to the winning horse, which on Easter Sunday beats the other seven qualifying competitors in the race.

Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler and Malta Racing Club (MRC) chairman Matthew Brincat made the announcement at a media conference held at Marsa.

A total of 89 horses have registered for the championship which is open to all horses registered with the club.

"Emirates' sponsorship of It-Tazza l-Kbira is coinciding on a special occasion for the Malta Racing Club as the final will be held on the 140th anniversary since the first race meeting was organised at our club, way back in 1869," Dr Brincat said.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be held between tomorrow and March 29 respectively. Contrary to other championships, It-Tazza l-Kbira is open to all trotters and classes, hence the winner of the final showdown on April 12, according to tradition, is considered as the best trotting horse in Malta.

"The signing of this three-year sponsorship with the Malta Racing Club underlines Emirates' commitment to horse racing enthusiasts," Fleri Soler said.

Emirates sponsors two of the world's most prestigious horse racing events: the Dubai World Cup and the Emirates Melbourne Cup. This is the first time that Emirates is partnering with the Malta Racing Club.

The total prize money for the final is €3,900, consisting of a first prize of €2,500, €800 for the runner-up, €400 for the third place and €200 for the fourth place.

On behalf of the MRC, jockeys and racecourse goers, Dr Brincat thanked Emirates for providing the financial support.

"Supporting It-Tazza l-Kbira confirms Emirates' commitment to back up initiatives and traditions that are meaningful to the Maltese and live up to our aims to generate attractive competitions at Marsa," he said.