The centuries-old horse races held annually in Victoria on Santa Marija should take place in the early morning or late evening, according to the Animal Welfare Director.

“While recognising that this event has been going on for years and forms part of traditional feast celebrations, the directorate believes such races should be held either in the early morning or late evening,” Lawrence Buhagiar told this newspaper.

The director was contacted over concerns that these races are held in the scorching heat at the peak of summer between 2.30pm and 6pm. He plans on holding meetings to discuss shifting the time.

“A compromise should be reached to respect the traditional aspect of the feast as well as the welfare of the participating horses. Discussions will continue to be held after the event to shift the time of the races,” he said.

These races date back to 1587 and were held to encourage people to rear horses and similar animals that could be used to defend the island during an attack. Nowadays, organised by Soċjetà Filarmonika Leone, and partly-funded by the government, they are held along Republic Street on August 15.

Concern about the animals’ welfare was raised by the Animal Rights Group. Calling for an end to these “races in the blazing sun”, spokeswoman Myriam Kirmond said the group had asked the authorities to reschedule the time and change the place of the event. The races, she said, could be held in the early morning at the Gozo race track, Xewkija, to ensure “as little stress to the animals as possible”. However, when contacted, the organisers said they did not believe there should be any changes because there was no animal cruelty.

Each race took less than one minute and the animals were kept in the shade before and after the race, the president of the Soċjetà Filarmonika Leone, Michael Caruana said.

“Owners love their horses like their own children and spend a lot of money to take care of them. They would not participate if it was going to affect their welfare,” he added. The organisers also monitor the riders to make sure there was no animal cruelty, like the use of a whip.

Animal Welfare Director Mr Buhagiar will also be on site during the races, accompanied by a professional vet and animal welfare officers to ensure the animals’ welfare was not compromised.