Yesterday, the Queen’s Baton arrived in Malta, one of 71 countries to take part in this relay.

The Baton will be used during next year’s Commonwealth to b held in Australia.

The programme commenced in the afternoon, when, at the Marsa Racetrack, the two well-known jockeys Raymond Clifton and Charles Camilleri, took the Baton on a serkin round the track. The horse being used in the event was the now retired Uquito d’Orphee, a champion in the past.

The official start of the Baton Relay takes place this morning at the Ministry of Education in Floriana, where Minister of Education Louis Galea will present the Baton to schoolchildren who will take it to Castille Palace and present it to MOC President Lino Farrugia Sacco, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi as well as Australian High Commissioner Richard Palk

Afterwards, it will go round Valletta to the quay of the old Customs House where various regatta boats will transport it to St Angelo where it will be met by school children from Cottonera.

The Baton wll later be carried to Msida Marina Gardens by members of the Ladies Running Club, athletes, cyclists, triathletes and also shooter William Chetcuti.

The major of Ta’ Xbiex, Antoinette Vassallo, will present it to the Australian High Commissoner and staff.

The players of the national rugby team will then carry the Queen’s Baon to Sliema where mayor Albert Bonello Du Puis and MOC president wll be present.

In the afternoon, members of the women’s national basketball team are expected to carry it to Saqqajja Hill at Rabat and on to Mdina’s Cathedral square.

The Relay will end tomorrow. Malta is the ninth country the Baton was carried to during this Relay