This Sunday, thoroughbred horses will take centre-stage at the Marsa Racetrack as they will be vying for the prestigious Johnnie Walker Cup in a flat race over the long distance of 2,250m.

Details about Sunday’s race were given by Matthew Brincat, chairman of the Malta Racing Club (MRC), during a news conference earlier this week.

Also present for the media briefing were Alfred Braddick, marketing manager of sponsors M. Demajo Ltd, and the owners and jockeys of the competing horses.

The Johnnie Walker Cup is an old trophy dating back to 1939. For a long period, this trophy remained in the cabinets of the Malta Racing Club but in recent years, it was presented to the winners of the Mediterranean Championship which the MRC used to host on March 31.

In fact, the Johnnie Walker Cup was back in use in 2009, 2010 and 2011 but there was no race last year.

Dr Brincat said that five horses are expected to run in this year’s race with the winner receiving €600 in prize money. The second- and third-placed finishers will pocket €300 and €150 respectively.

Ollie Fliptrik, the winner of the last edition of the Johnnie Walker Cup two years ago, and Mediterranean Derby holder Kimberley Downs, headline the five-strong field for Sunday’s race.

M. Demajo Ltd (Wines & Spirits) will present special Johnnie Walker gifts to the top three finishers who will also be given trophies. The winner will also secure a commemorative blanket.

Starting at 16.25, the Johnnie Walker Cup is the ninth race on Sunday’s card.

The participating horses and their riders are: Kimberley Downs (Michael Sultana); Timolin (Charles Pace); Alto Monte (Demis Zammit); Ollie Fliptrik (Sarah Borg); Friarscourt (Mat-thew Mallia).

Last three winners
2009 – Privileged Boy (Magomet A. Kappuslev).
2010 – Lordswood (Christoforos Christoforou).
2011 – Ollie Fliptrik (Alexandre Pillet).