A past edition of the races in Victoria. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

I agree with Fr George Mercieca when he says, in his write-up of August 16 that village feasts in Malta and Gozo are a source of culture and offer local enthusiasts as well as tourists an opportunity to make merry, socialise and enjoy themselves,.

However, I entirely disagree and distance myself unreservedly from him when he says that horse racing at 2.30pm is a source of entertainment.

I find it beyond me to believe there are still people around who think that animals were created solely for mankind, to be treated as the latter pleases, even when this means they have to sweat it out under appalling conditions.

By all means, let us uphold and cherish those traditions that show mankind’s growth in maturity and responsibility in his long quest for perfection. On the other hand, let us do away with those practices that show our primitive and unrefined nature, especially those synonymous with animal cruelty!

Indeed, I sincerely wish that the ecclesiastical authorities will determinedly stand to be counted and put their foot down when it comes to such activities, that is when these have a religious association. This year’s horse races at Victoria, on the feast of Santa Marija, were a case in point.

I wonder where the correspondent prefers to be at 2.30pm on a sweltering day in summer under a blazing sun in temperatures above 32° C.