Despite guidelines from the veterinary authorities that the Santa Marija horse races should be held in the morning or late afternoon, the traditional event in Victoria is planned for 2.30pm tomorrow.

In recent years, the organisers of the centuries-old races have come under fire by animal lovers.

Since 2015, the Animal Welfare Commissioner has insisted that common sense prevail and the races be held in the morning.

When contacted, the commissioner, Emanuel Buhagiar, said that he was still against races being held at 2.30pm in the blazing summer sun.

“Although there are no animal welfare concerns, common sense should prevail and such races should be shifted to the morning hours. From 7am to 8.45am is more appropriate, and doing so would not interfere with the religious functions that start at 9am,” he said.

There is nothing in the law that prohibits such races from taking place during the hours chosen

Asked to clarify what he meant when he said there were no animal welfare concerns, Mr Buhagiar said that before the race, the horses would be kept in the shade and be examined by the Animal Welfare Director.

The race itself lasts about one minute. According to veterinary advice, there was no concern for the horses’ welfare, he noted, pointing out there was nothing in the law or specific regulations that prohibited such races from taking place during the hours chosen by the promoters.

Mr Buhagiar said, personally, he would continue to insist the races should be held early in the morning when the temperature was more comfortable for the horses and even the spectators.

The race itself lasts about one minute

This view, he went on, was especially supported by the fact that climate change effects would become more adverse in the coming years.

Animal Welfare Director Noel Montebello, meanwhile, directed the Times of Malta to a set of guidelines published by the Veterinary Regulation Directorate for the organisers and veterinarians responsible for such races.

The guidelines specify that the track must be flat, level, with no sharp turns and of soft ground.

Races should not be held in extreme weather and definitely not from 11am to 4pm between July 1 and August 31.

The Santa Marija races date to 1587 and were held to encourage people to rear horses and similar animals that could be used to defend the island during an attack. Nowadays, they are organised by the Leone Philharmonic Society and partly funded by the government. Tomorrow’s races will be held along Republic Street.

Mr Montebello pointed out that the veterinarian in charge and the organisers were ultimately the ones responsible for following the guidelines.

“I will be monitoring the area with animal welfare officers to make sure they don’t mistreat the horses,” he said.

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