Charles Degiorgio was born on 6 February 1972. He is the son of Elia and Tessie née Bugeja. Charles has got a 16-year-old daughter, Amy.

He was born and bred in Qormi and in fact this says a lot about Charles becoming a horse-racing enthusiast. “It was always about animals. As an eight-year-old I already had a sheep which I was taking good care of. After that it was a donkey, ponies and finally horses. But one has to mention that since I was a little boy, animals were my joy. Instead of experimenting with toys my focus was always on animals.”

And what about Charles’ educational background? “I never did anything good at school and it was purposely done. I attended San Gorg Primary, Qormi but all I did was run away from school. In fact, later on, I was sent to Ghammieri, precisely to the Agriculture School. There it was more my cup of tea since I was in my surroundings.”

But how did Charles’ interest in horse-racing begin? Was it a case of first love sport or did he practise another sport? “I had no interest in any particular sport. I still believe from my experience that this is something that you’re born with. It is part of one’s DNA.”

“Recalling my first race, I remember I didn’t win it but this was the beginning of a long career. I wanted to show that I am part and parcel of this sport and I worked hard in order to arrive at the top level. Nothing is easy in life but hard work does pay off.”

And like anything in life Charles had both good and bad experiences. “In sport we have good and bad times. And in ours it’s a little bit more. It’s useless thinking about missing out from the podium. You have to look into going one better, week after week. In racing you can’t let a disappointing result effect you. Believe and achieve – because if you always win it will become pathetic.”

Is there any particular horse that you still remember? “I drove a number of horses before I left for Sweden. It is difficult to mention one since every horse has its own characteristics. From one horse to another there is a lot of difference. One horse can very strong and the other could be that he runs more but is not that courageous. So it’s very difficult mentioning names.”

And how is the relationship between a driver and the horse? “There has to be affinity between the two and they have to understand each other well. That makes a great deal of a difference. In this sport experience and quick-thinking counts a lot.”

Degiorgio took part in various international events but made a name for himself and his country when he was in Sweden. “This was my target; competing with the best and I managed to obtain this.”

Degiorgio was also named best driver at the Mantorp racetrack in Sweden. And the horse Rolls-Royce, one of the horses under the charge of Degiorgio, won the award for being the most promising horse in the year. “Yes that was the peak of my career. I was in charge of about 40 horses in my own centre. These were the property of Maltese and Swedish owners but I managed to make a name over there and I still love the country.”

“After Scandinavia I went to France and managed to steal the limelight by triumphing in a national race held on a short distance of 2,100 metres and which saw the participation of European trotters. Driving Swedish trotter Panoramic and starting the race with a very difficult number, 17, I managed to finish first in an impressive average time of 1.13.5” per kilometre. Panoramic was owned by Maurice and Gorg Scicluna from Qormi.”

After these wonderful experiences and now back in Malta, does Degiorgio have any particular target or wish? “Frankly speaking I have attained all that I wished for. And in life you have to be realistic, because I can say that my wish is that one day I will win the Prix d’Amerique. This is a harness race held at the Hippodrome de Vincennes in Paris, France. A race, which dates back over a century. But everyone knows that this is a very difficult race.”

Charles was also awarded a number of personal awards and was finalist in the Konkors Sportivi Nazzjonali. “Yes, these are recognition for the work done during the years – all the honours won are close to my heart. I appreciate what others think of me and how they show their appreciation by handing me awards.”

But how does Degiorgio consider the interest in horse-racing in Malta? “I think that interest in this sport can be considered good though not super. I believe that things can only get better. The pandemic also affected the progress of this sport. Taken by attendance this is the most popular sport in Malta; so having races without spectators was not the ideal scenario. But thank God that now people are returning to watch the races at Marsa.”

And what about the future? “The racecourse has been laid with some very good sand. We can’t complain. And this helps as when the weather is not that good in the winter season races can still be held. For us this is an added incentive and we have already experienced this some weeks ago after days of heavy rain.”

“Presently there is a good number of enthusiasts who follow and practise this sport. But I still think that it’s not the boom period of this sport and hope that more youths will be attracted to horse-racing.”

And what are Charles’ views about family life. “I’ve got a daughter Amy, who means a lot to me. In fact Amy is also passionate about horse-racing. She wishes that one day she will be a jockey like me. But to be honest I would prefer that she participated in a foreign country since things are more professional over there.”

Turning onto more personal aspects, Charles gave us an insight of his culinary preferences. “I love eating all good food. I’m not that fussy. As preference I would go for a good piece of meat and I also love ġbejniet (Maltese cheeselets).”

And what about his favourite destination? “Scandinavia with particular preference to Sweden. I love the country, have made friends over there and I consider it my second home.”

A typical day for Charles is a day at the stables. His time is practically dedicated to the horses he so much loves and also some training.

Finally Charles sends one final advice to the young generation. “Always be open to learning. In life you never know enough. Though, I believe that at times you have to be a born winner. But ideally try in creating an atmosphere that suits you most in order to succeed.”