Reviewing the Marsa Race Track in Malta

Reviewing the Marsa Race Track in Malta

Time Stamp: June 17, 2023 5:00 AM

The Marsa Racecourse in Malta

An Overview of the Marsa Racecourse in Malta

The Marsa Horse Racing Track may be one of Malta’s most notable historical places. It is of historical importance because horse racing was reborn on the field of that track after the 2nd World War. After the British colonisation, the horses were taken out of the country, and most of the jockeys left with them.

In that situation, a great track was famous for its Marsa Horse Races but had no jockeys or horses to compete. As a way to salvage the situation and give the track a new life, the standard horse and jockey combo was replaced with people sitting on a lightweight two-wheeled cart that ponies pull. These Roman chariot-like competitions are also called sulky races.

This quirky horse racing style took off and gave new life to the Marsa Race Track. What once was an empty track became a favourite place for many Maltese viewers who thoroughly enjoyed the sulky races. Due to this success, expansion, refurbishment and improvements to the track are carried out regularly to this day.

Additional Details about the Marsa Race Track in Malta

The Marsa Racecourse in Malta is 1000 metres per lap. The most popular racing distances are the 2140m and the 2640m. Any race that is carried out over 1640m or 3140m is also run for trotters. The track can accommodate up to 4500 people and provide parking for nearly 1200 cars at the time of writing this article.

🐎 Name Marsa Race Track
📍 Location Triq It – Tigrija, Il-Marsa, Malta
🏁 Lap Length 1000m
🏟️ Capacity 4500
⭕ Opened 1868

As you can see, the Malta Race Track is not small at all. It is the only one in the city and can accommodate thousands of spectators and is home to the Marsa Racing Club. A lot of the notoriety of this sport nowadays is due to its popularity among sports bettors. If you feel like placing a wager on your favourite horse, then you can go to one of the top sports betting sites in Malta and do so.

History of Marsa Horse Racing in Malta

In this part of our review of the Marsa Race Track, we would like to delve deeper into its history and, in general, the history of horse racing in the country. The origins of racing horses in Malta go back to the Roman Empire. The Romans brought horses into the land, and racing them was quite popular.

After they left the country, the Marsa Race Club returned to its roots and used traditional bulls and donkeys for various entertainment purposes. This lasted until the 16th century when the Knights of Malta occupied the island. Thanks to them, a form of culture around horses and racing them was again developed, and this time, it stuck with the population.

A Brief Overview of the History of Marsa Horse Racing in Malta

This was further enhanced when the British colonised Malta in the 1800s. Of course, Great Britain was known for their love of horses. The Marsa Racecourse in Malta began operating in 1868, and along with the standard form of horse racing, horse-drawn carriages were also quite popular.

The Marsa horse races became extremely popular, and even pure-bred and highly trained Arab stallions were imported to the country to compete on the racecourse. Unfortunately, the Second World War events brought dark times for Marsa horse racing in Malta as the animals that competed in the races had to be slaughtered.

There were several years in which no races were held. Fortunately, the Marsa horse races were reborn after the hostilities had ceased. This was followed by a re-opening of the Marsa Race Track in Malta in December 1945, and since then, it has not stopped working and hosting annual events.

Events and Championships at the Marsa Racecourse

When talking about Marsa horse racing in Malta, except for the obvious trotters and pacers divisions, you will come across a wide range of championships and races. If you visit the official Marsa Race Track website, you can check out their calendar and see what monthly events will be available. Here is a short list of some of the most popular ones that will be held in 2023:

  • Executive Security Championship
  • Southern Region Councils’ Championship
  • Bronze Maiden Race
  • Silver Maiden Race
  • Assikura Championship
  • Qatar Sports Day
  • Cheval Francais Bronze and Silver Races
  • Bronze Championship
  • Bavaria Gold Championship

You can find detailed information about when each event will be held on the official calendar of the Marsa Horse Racing Track. What is also quite popular and legal in Malta that is connected to racing horses is placing wagers on the outcome of these events. We will be going over betting on the Marsa Horse Races in the next section.

Sports Betting on Horse Races

People who thoroughly enjoy horse racing and would like to take it to the next level can place bets on their favourite horse or the overall outcome of an event. Sports betting is very popular worldwide, especially when it is carried out at legal online sportsbooks.

For many, joining one of the DFS betting sites in Malta or placing a wager on their favourite horse at online sportsbooks is a great experience. Of course, the opportunities to get some good rewards enhance that experience, especially when the odds are high.

Placing Sports Bets on the Marsa Horse Races

If you want to join an online sportsbook to place some bets, we would like to give you a crucial hint. The most important thing is to be vigilant if the operator of your choice is legal. In order for any online sportsbook to provide betting services in the country, it will have to be fully licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Of course, it is common knowledge that gambling can be very addictive and potentially create a bad habit of compulsory gambling. We have a detailed guide on responsible gambling in Malta, in which we showcase the steps you need to take to ensure your safety. Never wager something you can’t afford to lose.

Marsa Racecourse in Malta – Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our quick overview of the Marsa Race Track in Malta and its detailed history. This track’s story of popularising a quirky form of the sport to its rebirth in 1945 is unique, to say the least. If someday you decide to go to Malta, we recommend visiting the Marsa Horse Racing Track and experiencing a race.

Placing wagers on the Marsa horse races is also quite popular worldwide. Online gambling in Malta is a favourited activity by many players. If you’re interested in that, then you can check out some of the best online casinos in Malta that can offer a wide range of real money games, and some even have a dedicated sports betting platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this final section of our overview, we would like to share with you some of our most popular queries regarding the Marsa Race Track in Malta. Feel free to check out each question and answer. In any case, don’t hesitate to contact us via email.

1️⃣ How long is the Marsa Race Track in Malta?

The length of the Marsa Race Track is 1000 metres per lap. Two of the most popular racing distances at the track are the 2140m and the 2640m. While these distances are more suited for pacers, trotters can compete when the distances are over 1640m or 3140m.

2️⃣ When did the Marsa Horse Racing Track in Malta open?

Due to various events, the history of the Marsa Race Track has its ups and downs. The track first opened doors in 1868, but it had to close by the time of the Second World War due to the slaughter of all steeds. Later in December 1945, it re-opened and hasn’t stopped working since.

3️⃣ What events are held at the Marsa Racecourse in Malta?

There is a wide range of Marsa horse races that are held on an annual basis. You can find a complete programme on the official website of the track. Still, some of the most popular are the Executive Security Championship, Southern Region Councils’ Championship and the Bavaria Gold Championship.

4️⃣ Is there horse racing in Malta?

Yes, Malta has a long history of horse racing that dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. In modern times, when the British colonised the island, the Marsa Race Track in Malta was created and is one of the main locations for horse racing in the country.

5️⃣ Can you bet on the Marsa Horse Races?

Of course, you can. Sports betting is considered legal in Malta as long as the operator that you join is fully licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. We talk more in detail about horse race betting in Malta in one of the sections of our overview of the Marsa Racecourse in Malta.

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