After an absence of 10 years, the traditional Horse Racing ‘Big Cup’ – more commonly known as It-Tazza l-Kbira and whose comeback was made possible by HSBC – will go to the winning horse which tomorrow beats the other seven qualifying competitors in the race.

The finalists who tomorrow vie to outdo each other in a race distance of 2,140 m Autostart over two laps are: seven-year Swedish trotter BBS Balthazar, driven by Karmenu Farrugia; 14-year French Hans de Landiers, driven by James Carabott; 12-year Swedish Hudson Blue driven by John Briffa; 13-year French Illico de Reville, with driver Peter Agius; 11-year French James d’Iton driven by Noel Baldacchino; 11-year French Just Bourbon with driver Frencu Cassar; 10-year French Korentin, driven by Julian Farrugia and 12-year Swedish Pilot Kloster, driven by Charles Camilleri. Drivers may change.

The winner will be awarded the coveted It-Tazza l-Kbira for a year. The total prize money is €3,400, consisting of a first prize of €2,000, €800 for the runner-up; €400 for the third place and €200 for the fourth place. The first four places will all get a trophy. A horse blanket and memento will be presented to all runners.

The prize-given ceremony will be carried out by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli, Malta Racing Club’s Secretary General Anthony De Bono and HSBC’s Head of Marketing Brian Tortell.

HSBC had already partnered with the Malta Racing Club on other important events. The longstanding tradition horse racing enjoys among the thousands of enthusiastic followers has now prompted HSBC to support the revival of the prestigious It-Tazza l-Kbira. Contrary to other tournaments, the Big Cup Championship is open to all trotters and classes.

“HSBC is delighted to support the Malta Racing Club in reviving the long-standing tradition of the Big Cup, which is so popular with the followers of the sport,” said HSBC’s Head of Marketing Brian Tortell.

On behalf of the drivers and supporters of the sport, Mr De Bono thanked HSBC for providing the necessary financial support. “Supporting It-Tazza l-Kbira confirms the Bank’s commitment to back up initiatives and traditions which are meaningful to the community and live up to our aims to attract top international players and compete on renowned racing tracks,” he said.