The next horse-racing meeting will be held at the Marsa racetrack next Sunday, with an all trot 8-race card, starting at 1.30pm.

Apart from Copper and Bronze class races on the sprint 1,640m distance, we have the start of this year’s Dragonara Tazza l-Kbira, the prestigious trotters’ championship on a 2,640m distance.

The first edition was held in distant 1934, with many well-known trotters carving their name on this trophy over the years. Winners such as Urbain L, Alcyon III, Espoir des Marais, Nicolas de la Fuye and recently James de l’Iton and In Vitro du Bourg are unforgettable for all veteran racing enthusiasts.

This year’s edition features Premier class trotters and Gold class trotters with the highest points, originating in no less than seven countries. Twelve horses will contest each of the six heats, with the top four from each making it to the semi-finals being held in a fortnight’s time.

Many of these trotters have been prepared especially for this championship. These include last season’s revelation Livi Cantona, current Tazza l-Kbira holder Kakisis, SECF December championship winner Mig of the Wood, various exciting horses this year, such as Nuage de Bourgogne, Nono de Crouay, Nabab du Chatelet and many others.

Nine quality French and Swedish newcomers are also expected to debut in these heats.

Wonderful contests between Malta’s best trotters are anticipated, with tight finishes and uncertain outcomes not just for the winners but also for all qualifiers.