Sannat Horse Races Moved From 1.30pm To 4pm Following Mounting Public Pressure

Following public uproar, the Sannat horse racing event that involved over 39 races under Malta’s searing sun has been moved to a later time.

The event is held in connection with the feast of St Margaret and was originally due to kick off on Sunday at 1.30pm.

However, after mounting public pressure, particularly from of the Office of the Commissioner of Animal Welfare, the event has been postponed to 4pm.

Gozo’s Sannat local council and Commissioner for Animal Rights Alison Bezzina were at loggerheads over what to do over the traditional horse racing event.

Bezzina appealed to have the race take place after sundown and even cited laws prohibiting horses from being on the road between July and August between 1pm and 4pm.

Timing wasn’t the only issue creating conflict. Indeed, Bezzina also lambasted the lack of amenities (including water and shade for horses) and the roads themselves.

“In principle The Office of The Commissioner for Animal Welfare is against this practice because tarmacked roads are not ideal for horses to race on. In addition, CAP 439.22 prohibits karozzini from being on the road between July and August between 1pm and 4pm,” she told the council.

Should traditional horse races be allowed to go ahead during peak summer hours on Maltese and Gozitan roads?