The highly anticipated fourth edition of the Southern Region Local Councils’ Race will take place on Friday, 8 May 2026, during an evening race meeting at the Malta Equidrome. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm, with the featured Southern Region Local Councils’ Race scheduled for 9:10pm.
Following the success of previous editions, this unique event will once again see twelve local councils from the Southern Region — Qormi, Żejtun, Birżebbuġa, Għaxaq, Luqa, Ħamrun, Gudja, Marsa, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Santa Luċija, and Santa Venera — each paired with one of the competing horses.
This format continues to generate strong community engagement, with residents rallying behind the horse representing their locality, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere.
The race is being organised in collaboration with the Malta Racing Club and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the connection between sport and local communities.
During the official launch, Southern Region Council President Mr Jesmond Aquilina emphasised how the event has grown into a key fixture on the regional calendar. He noted that the initiative not only celebrates horse racing but also promotes unity and participation among localities while encouraging families to attend outdoor sporting and cultural activities.
Also addressing the launch were Malta Racing Club Vice-Chairman Mr Tony Demanuele, Malta Equidrome CEO Dr Matthew Brincat, and EquestriMalta CEO Mr Max Zammit. They congratulated the participating owners and highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions in continuing to elevate the standard and profile of horse racing in Malta. They also thanked the Southern Regional Council for its commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative.
Representatives from the participating local councils are once again expected to play an active role in supporting their assigned horses, contributing to the lively and festive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the event.
A strong turnout is anticipated, particularly from supporters eager to cheer on the horse representing their locality. The Southern Region Local Councils’ Race continues to establish itself as a distinctive event that successfully blends sporting excellence with community spirit.
The press conference concluded with the draw for the starting list. The 12 finalists were first drawn to represent a participating local council before being assigned their starting numbers.
The start list reads as follows:
No.1 – BORDEAUX S – Ħamrun Local Council
No.2 – GOLD DAIRPET – Ħal Qormi Local Council
No.3 – FORBAN – Santa Venera Local Council
No.4 – GIBALDI DE HOUELLE – Marsaxlokk Local Council
No.5 – ITRO – Marsa Local Council
No.6 – BLACK MISSION – Marsaskala Local Council
No.7 – ISABELLE SISU – Gudja Local Council
No.8 – ISOCRATE D’ELA – Ħal Għaxaq Local Council
No.9 – GALANT DE BRUYERE– Żejtun Local Council
No.10 – GLOSSY BOY – Ħal Luqa Local Council
No.11 – MON’S TORNADO – Santa Luċija Local Council
No.12 – FARMER KERYVON – Birżebbuġa Local Council
