Fifteen horses are lined up to take part in the forthcoming flat derby being sponsored by Big Ben Interiors.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, Dr Matthew Brincat, speaking on behalf of the Malta Racing Club, said flat racing was becoming more popular in Malta and this was evidenced by the continuously increasing number of participants in these competitions.

After last season’s Waterline Restaurant and St James Hospital Derbies, it is now the turn of Big Ben Interiors to sponsor this third derby which is expected to be as popular as the previous two.

The first heat is taking place next Sunday at 3pm and the following horses will be running: Docklands Brian (winner of Waterline Restaurant Derby), Crescent Lady, Roi Daaly (M), Sky Deal (F), winner of the B final of St James Hospital Derby, Secondino (M), Black Metal (M) and Managing Director (G), winner of the St James Hospital Derby.

The second heat is to be staged the following Sunday, also at 3pm, where the following horses will be under the starter’s orders: One from the Heart (M), Swing Dancer (M), Stell Art (F), Kohima (F), Piroetta (F), Diouganer (G), Nina Royale (F) and Dancing Dracula (M).

The first four in each heat will qualify for the big final, while the rest will race in the B final – both on 26 November.

Dr Brincat thanked Big Ben Interiors for their sponsorship and said such events would not be held without such support.

Eugeno Gauci, a director of Big Ben Interiors, said his company was pleased to be helping horse-racing in this manner. He said he hoped that more enthusiasts are attracted to the Marsa racetrack, adding that the company would consider further sponsorships in future.

The magnificent trophies will be on display at the establishment’s showrooms in Balzan before the event.