Emirates has announced that for the third consecutive year it will be the official sponsor of Malta’s most prestigious trotting trophy, It-Tazza l-Kbira.

The prized Cup, It-Tazza l-Kbira, will be awarded to the winner of this year’s championship Final, to be held on Sunday 10 April 2011.

The early qualifying heats will be held over this weekend with four heats to be held today and another four heats tomorrow at the Malta Racing Club (MRC) race track in Marsa. The first race starts at 1.30pm.

MRC chairman Dr Matthew Brincat said: “Emirates have once again confirmed the sponsorship of It-Tazza l-Kbira, which is the most prestigious Trotting Racing Cup in Malta, that goes back to its origins, way back in 1934. Some of the most popular horses ever seen on the island have carved their names on this coveted Cup over the years, as this award brings up a mix of tradition and pride into one winning formula.”

Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, said: “The confirmation of this year’s sponsorship after the success we had in the last years with the Malta Racing Club underlines Emirates’ commitment to horseracing enthusiasts in Malta.

The quarterfinals will be held on Friday 11 and Sunday 13 March, followed by the semifinals scheduled for Sunday 27 March. Contrary to other tournaments, It-Tazza l-Kbira Championship is open to the top trotters and classes, hence the winner of the final showdown on Sunday on 10th April, is considered as the best trotting horse in Malta.

A total of 84 horses have registered for It-Tazza l-Kbira and the winner will be awarded the coveted It-Tazza l-Kbira for a year. The total prize money for the final is €4,100, consisting of a first prize of €2,500, €1,000 for the runner-up; €400 for the third place and €200 for the fourth place. The first four places will all get a trophy. All finalists will be awarded a horse blanket (ghata) and a special Emirates horse blanket (għata) will be presented to the winner of It-Tazza l-Kbira.