It-Tazza l-Kbira heats this week
Emirates sponsors for third year
The first heats from this season’s It-Tazza l-Kbira, the prestigious championship reserved for top trotters at the Marsa Racetrack, are scheduled for this weekend.
For the third successive year, Emirates Airlines will be the official sponsor of the trotting championship which reaches its climax with the final on April 10.
The early qualifying races will be held on Saturday and Sunday with four heats in programme on both afternoon meets.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for March 11 and 13 followed by the semi-finals on March 27.
Contrary to other champion-ships, It-Tazza l-Kbira is open to the top trotters and classes, hence the winner of the final showdown will be considered as the best trotter in the country.
Malta Racing Club chairman Matthew Brincat is expecting another exciting championship.
“Emirates have once again confirmed their backing for It-Tazza l-Kbira, which is the most prestigious race we have. Its origins go back to 1934,” Dr Brincat said.
“Some of the most popular horses we’ve had at Marsa have carved their names on this coveted trophy over the years, as this award brings up a mix of tradition and pride into one winning formula.”
The club announced that a list of 84 horses have registered for It-Tazza l-Kbira.
The winner will be awarded prize money and an Emirates cover as other cash incentives go to the next three horses past the post. All finalists will receive special mementoes.
Dr Brincat thanked Emirates for providing the necessary financial support.
“Supporting It-Tazza l-Kbira confirms Emirates’ commitment to keep alive such initiatives and traditions that are so meaningful to us Maltese. Their backing also helps us in our aims to generate more competitions and continue to compete successfully outside our shores.”
Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates manager, said the airline company is committed to consolidate its partnership with horse racing in Malta.
“The confirmation of this year’s sponsorship, after the success we had in the last years with the Malta Racing Club, underlines our commitment to support this sport,” he said.
“We believe our association with the club will help bring Emirates closer to the horseracing community in Malta.”