The highly popular horse races organised by The Malta Racing Club (MRC) are now being sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. The circa 40 races supported by HSBC are the highest two trotters categories – Premier and Gold Divisions – and will be run between September and December this year.

During a press conference at the Malta Hilton, the Secretary General of the Malta Racing Club, Anthony De Bono, announced that the club will be introducing a new system whereby ‘points’ will be given to horses according to their placing in competitive events. The former classification system which included ‘handicap’ parameters will be discarded and horses will now be graded in different groups.

“Horse racing is a longstanding tradition in Malta and is keenly followed regularly by thousands of enthusiasts. Sponsorship is our lifeline, as it keeps the popular sport going. On behalf of thousands of enthusiasts I thank HSBC, which will ensure that our initiatives are turned into successful events,” said Mr De Bono.

“Supporting the Malta Racing Club, for HSBC, means not only promoting horse racing as a sport with a high local following. It forms part of HSBC’s ongoing commitment to support Maltese traditions and culture. Racing at Marsa has a great track record which HSBC is happy to support,” said James Dunbar Cousin, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.

The main objective of the new points system is to enhance a more competitive and challenging environment providing better entertainment and excitement for horse owners and horse racing enthusiasts alike.

HSBC will be one of the main sponsors of this newly structured ‘points system’ by virtue of which, the current registered horses have now been categorised in accordance with the results and standings on 18 June which was the last official racing programme event before the summer recess.

HSBC welcomed the opportunity to associate itself with the Malta Racing Club. This, in particular, with the sponsorship of ‘Prize Winning Money’ relating to the new Premier and Gold categories of Horse racing events which will be organised till the end this year’s racing programme which comes to a close late December 2006.

Mr De Bono provided details on how the new classification system will be put into effect and that the Club will regularly update its web site with respective placings. Meetings with interested owners for any further elaboration of the scheme will be organised.

He announced that the final quarter of this year’s programme of events will usher the introduction of a dope-testing in line with Malta’s obligations to conform with European Standards as dictated by the European Union of Trotting (UET) standing regulations. He informed that the final part of this year’s Racing Programme will commence on 1 September.