The second most important final in the local harness racing calendar is The President’s Cup which like last year this is being supported financially by the equestrian sport authority EquestriMalta.

Judge Emeritus Antonio Mizzi, Chairman of EquestriMalta as well as CEO Max Zammit both emphasized that it is with a sense of pride that EquestriMalta associates itself with a competition that apart from being of the highest level and offers a spectacle it also serves to collect funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation which offers aid to the ġeneral population in their most difficult times. Whilst they wished the finalists a great performance they also appealed upon their generosity although judging by their track record they did not have any doubt about this when during past editions a good sum had always been collected for l-Istrina with combined donations from the public and the winners.

Once again this event is being organised under the patronage of H.E. The President of Malta Dr George Vella who has also confirmed his attendance to present the trophies to the winners.

47 top category horses took part in 5 heats on Sunday 16th October from which 20 qualified for the two semi finals which were raced last Sunday. The numerous public present assisted to a spectacle of top level high velocity racing and in fact Ellington Dream broke the national record over 2140m when he clocked an average 1’12”9/km.

On Sunday 13th November one of the largest crowds of the season is expected at the Malta Equidrome where apart from the awaited final they will also have a spectacle related to the event. Upon the arrival of the President of Malta, the National Anthem will be sung by young Chanel Monseigneur winner of the Malta Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2020 whilst twelve young boys and girls will take part in a parade with their ponies in order to Escort the drivers to the presentation area. The horse defile will be headed by last year’s winner Kasper Trot and also present will be volunteers from the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation and Solidarjeta bl-Isports to collect donations from the ġeneral public in aid of l-Istrina.

The winner will be engraving his name on the prestigious trophy by Maltese artist George Muscat which was commissioned in 2012 by H.E. President Emeritus George Abela. Trophies for the first five finishers as well as a presentation blanket to the winner will be awarded apart from a total of €6400 in prize money which is a 22% increase from last year.

As is the tradition, the numbers for the finalist horses are not drawn but chosen by the owners themselves according to the placings and timings obtained in the semi finals.

Lorraine Cunningham

Public Relations & Media Coordinator

Malta Racing Club