NEWS | Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Horse racing’s ‘Big Cup’ revived thanks to HSBC

Following the success of the horse racing championship in 2006, the Malta Racing Club (MRC) is reintroducing the traditional ‘It-Tazza l-Kbira’ (Big Cup), after an absence of 10 years, with the help of HSBC. The championship kicked off last Sunday and climaxes on Easter Sunday with the presentation of the coveted trophy.
The championship will consist of 10 heats. The first five trotters in every heat will qualify for the eventual quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
HSBC had already partnered with the Malta Racing Club on other important events. The longstanding tradition horse racing enjoys among the thousands of enthusiastic followers has now prompted HSBC to support the revival of the prestigious ‘It-Tazza l-Kbira’. Contrary to other tournaments, the Big Cup Championship is open to all trotters and classes.
In 2007, horse racing through its official was voted by the Sport Writers Association as the second most popular sport in Malta, along with athletics and following football.
Shaun Wallis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HSBC, said: “Horse racing at Marsa has a great track record and a very popular following among the public in Malta.
“HSBC historically has had a long and strong relationship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and is delighted to support the Malta Racing Club,” he said.
George Fenech, Chairman of the Malta Racing Club, said: “On behalf of the drivers and supporters of the sport, I express my gratitude towards HSBC for being our lifeline, through its financial support, to keep the popular horse races alive.
“Reviving ‘It-Tazza l-Kbira’ further confirms the serious intentions of this Bank with a world reputation to truly support initiatives and traditions which are meaningful to the community it operates in.
“Such tournaments add value to Malta’s reputation in Europe, notably France, Sweden, Norway, Germany and the UK. These countries have entered into close professional relationships with the Malta Racing Club.
“Maltese drivers are now also competing at the most renowned racing tracks in Europe and top reputed international drivers are regularly competing with Maltese professionals in Malta and abroad,” said Fenech.