Animal Rights Group is calling on the authorities to stop the traditional Santa Marija horse races from taking place in the scorching sun.

On the 15 August – today - horse, mule and donkey races take place at Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo at 2:30pm. The tradition dates back to 1587.

Animal Rights Group stressed that it is not right for such races to take place during the sun’s peak hours.  In addition, it noted that the road, covered with asphalt, is unsuitable for equines to gallop on. 

The group attempted to persuade organisers to change the time of the races, but the latter refused, claiming that the time has remained the same throughout the 500 years of tradition. The races take place following the band’s march around Victoria. The procession with the statue of Our Lady starts later on in the evening.

“These races could easily be held at the Gozo race track and in the early morning, ensuring as little stress to the animals as possible at a reasonable time where they also can race on a better surface. One has to also remember that many of these equines will be transported to and back from Malta and with our current temperatures soaring even higher than last year the equines stress levels, will be excessively high,” a spokesperson for Animal Rights Group said.

Animal Welfare has promised to send more officials and ensure that a vet is present during the races.

The rights group is calling on organisers to comply with these humane requests.

In the meantime, race organisers were this afternoon laying down artificial turf carpets for the horses and mules to run on.