The Malta Racing Club will be doing its utmost to revamp flat racing in Malta and a new item on the club’s programme – the Waterline Restaurant Derby – should prove to be a big boost towards their aim.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, Dr Matthew Brincat, speaking on behalf of the Malta Racing Club, announced the programme of this event which starts next Sunday with the first semi-final. There will be the second semi-final the following Sunday. The final is to be run on 16 April.

Dr Brincat said 12 horses have been registered to run in this year’s event, although they expected more interest in future, considering the number of flat racing horses which have been imported in Malta recently.

He added that the first four in each of the two semi-finals will qualify for the final.

Apart from the magnificent trophies to be distributed to the winners, the event has the following prize-money: 1st Lm400; 2nd Lm200; 3rd Lm100.

Taking part in the first semi-final will be Diouganer, Nina Royale, Swing Dancer, Roi Daaly, Suberto and Crescent Lady. The six participants in the second semi-final are Kohima, Genievre, Docklands Brian, Piroetta, Segondino and Managing Director, who has won the prestigious Mediterranean Derby four times.

John Bugeja, co-owner of the Waterline Restaurant together with Tony Meli, sponsors of the event, said they were glad to be associated with a sport which had a considerable following in Malta. “I cannot see any reason why we will not continue extending this sponsorship in future, if it proves to be successful from the start,” he said.