Assikura finals at Marsa tomorrow

The finals of the Assikura Championship will be run tomorrow at Marsa.

The championship is an annual event reserved for horses originating from countries outside Sweden and France.

Over 50 horses raced in the heats last month and the qualifiers will compete in one of tomorrow's three finals, depending on the category.

The Open 'A' final is the most eagerly-awaited race as it will feature trotters from the top two classes - Premier and Gold.

In a statement, MRC chairman Matthew Brincat thanked Assikura Insurance for sponsoring the championship.

"Horses imported from France have two annual championship events, which are supported by the SECF, while the U*Bet Championship, which ended last week, is dedicated to Swedish imports only," Dr Brincat said.

"The club felt that a similar championship should be organised for non-French and non-Swedish trotters. This is the second consecutive year that these races have been organised by the club."

Dr Brincat also said the MRC is planning other events in the coming weeks aimed at raising the profile of horse racing which is considered as one of the most popular sports on the islands.