Santa Marija horse racing times ‘should be shifted’

The centuries-old horse races held annually in Victoria on Santa Marija should take place in the early morning or late evening, according to the Animal Welfare Director. “While recognising that this event has been going on for years and forms part of traditional feast celebrations, the directorate believes such races should be held either in the early morning or late evening,” Lawrence Buhagiar told this newspaper. The director was contacted over concerns that these races are held in the scorching heat at the peak of summer between 2.30pm and 6pm. He plans on holding meetings to discuss... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.