Young trotting drivers from Malta impressed during their first-ever international outing at the 2025 World Summer Cup Junior. Representing the Malta Racing Club Academy, Gianluca Debono and Xavier Borg Micallef showed great skill and determination as they raced against competitors from Belgium, Sweden, and France.
Each country in the championship hosts one round. Malta’s round was organised by the Malta Racing Club together with the Xħajma racetrack in Gozo, which is also running its own Summer Championship. The event was supported by EquestriMalta, which continues to help grow horse racing in Malta and Gozo.
Six young drivers from abroad, along with their families and officials, travelled to Malta for the event. The two races in the local leg were made possible thanks to generous pony owners from Malta and Gozo who lent their horses for the competition.
Among the Maltese participants, Gianluca Debono performed best – finishing fourth and third in his races, earning 12 points and taking third place overall. Xavier Borg Micallef also did well, finishing fifth and fourth, showing good control and focus throughout.
Their efforts reflect the great work being done by the Malta Racing Club Academy to develop future harness racing talent.
Belgium’s Gilles Verboomen won the Maltese leg with 25 points after a first and second-place finish. Sweden’s Christian Simonetti came second overall with 16 points, winning the second race after being disqualified in the first.
Max Zammit, CEO of EquestriMalta, presented each young driver with a commemorative gift and handed out trophies to the race winners. Officials from the Malta Racing Club and visiting countries also took part in honouring the top finishers.
This successful event marks an important step forward for Malta’s young drivers, giving them international experience and helping to build the future of local trotting sport.
