It is the semi finals meeting of Malta's most prestigious Flat Horse Racing trophy, the Mediterranean Derby, at the Malta Racing Club on Friday 27th June.

This is the trophy that all Flat Racing enthusiasts look forward to, as it is the dream of every Flat Race Horse owner to lift this beautiful trophy. The trophy was manufactured at the establishment of Messrs Gerrard and Co, in the Haymarket in 1857 as an Ascot prize for the winner of the 1858 Ascot Cup and brought over to Malta in 1889.

Over the years numerous dignitaries, like H.R.H. Prince Louis of Battenburg, H.R.H. Prince Andrew of Greece, father of Prince Phillip, and various Governors of Malta, presented the Mediterranean Derby to the winners.

At the press conference the Malta Racing Club Chairman Dr. Matthew Brincat, said “Flat racing in Malta has been growing at a fast pace in the last decade, and it augurs well for this type of racing in Malta.” He continued, “In recent years the club has invested on promoting young jockeys especially outside our shores as they are the blood line for the equestrian discipline to keep on growing. Recent wins outside our shores in various competitions also confirms that the level of jockeys in Malta is satisfactory." Dr. Brincat thanked McDonalds for sponsoring the Mediterranean Derby for the first time ever.

“We are very proud to be sponsoring this prestigious McDonald’s Mediteranean Derby which is a prominent event compromising the very best of Maltese flat racing talent. At McDonald's we want to stay close to our customers and to what is important to them. Our involvement in sports is no exception! We believe we’ve got a responsibility to give back to our local communities and supporting and encouraging local sports lovers is part of how we advocate sports and encourage healthy lifestyles.” Said Natasha Giorgio Marketing Manager of McDonald’s Malta.

Both Dr. Brincat and Ms Giorgio wished to all participants the best of luck.

The races will start at 18:30, and will be contested between 8 horses in each of the 2 semi finals.