President’s Cup Final

 

Earlier today during a press conference at the Malta Racing Club we were given the details of the 18th running of the President’s Cup to be raced on Saturday 8th December. Apart from being the second highest honour for local trotters, this race has the philantropic aim to collect funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation and is sanctioned by the President of Malta.

 

The Malta Racing Club’s General Secretary Tommy Cunningham said that this year’s edition is a special one as thanks to the sponsors Technovet it will be distributing the largest ever prize money totalling €6000 of which the winner will take home €3200. Apart from this also for the first time it will be the first five finishers who will be receiving trophies. The winning horse will also gain the right to put down his name on the prestigious trophy commissioned by President Emeritus George Abela a work of art by local artist George Muscat. A presention blanket will also be given to the winning horse.

 

The twelve finalist horses will take part in a parade prior to the race which will be led by last year’s winner Tip Top Nelliere.

 

As usual a varied programme has been prepared by the Malta Racing Club during which we are expecting to be honoured with the presence of H.E. The President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Guest singer this year will be young Destiny Chukunyere winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

 

Apart from this the children attending the horse racing academy will be taking part in the Mini President’s Cup which is a shetland pony race.

 

Technovet’s Sales Manager Jean Claude Cachia said that it was a pleasure for them to be associated with a prestigious competition like the President’s Cup that apart from offering a high profile race has the noble intention of raising funds for l-Istrina. Apart from this his family knows all about the sacrificies incurred by the owners to prepare their horses for such a competition because they themselves are involved in the sport. He wished a great race to all owners and drivers.

 

Also present was Valerie Farrugia on behalf of Solidarjeta bl-Isport. She praised this initiative that every year manages to raise a substantial sum which is presented to l-Istrina. She appealed upon the owners’ generosity in order to donate a part of their winnings stating that every day the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation was being faced with more and more people needing help. On the day there will also be volunteers to collect donations from the public.

 

At the end of the press conference the owners chose the number with which their horse is going to start in the race. This choice was done according to the placing and time registered in the qualifying round.

President’s Cup Honour Roll:

 

Summer 1992  Zito Bob (Tony Tanti)

1992/1993       Sanit (Charles Clifton)

1993/1994       Alto Be (Frencu Cassar)

1994/1995       Major Bill (John Briffa)

1995/1996       Huggie Hanover (Raymond Clifton)

1996/1997       Huggie Hanover (Raymond Clifton)

1997/1998       Captain Trackline (Joseph Scicluna)

1998/1999       Bambin d’Orleans (Philip Giordmaina)

2004                Huit Mars (Michael Seychell)

2010                Lucas Ness (Mario Farrugia)

2011                Livi Cantona (Charles Camilleri)

2012                Mont Cenis Honey (Noel Baldacchino)

2013                Gently di Poggio (Brian Zammit)

2014                Pedro Vici (Johann Axisa)

2015                Vasterbo Paradise (Claudio Refalo)

2016                Uhal Berven (Rodney Gatt)

2017                Tip Top Nelliere (Michael Ellul)

 

 

 

Lorraine Cunningham

Public Relations & Media Coordinator

Malta Racing Club

 

MRC/16/18