Guns and Gallops: Sicily’s Illegal Horse Race Raises Eyebrows in Malta

Imagine this: the sun dips low over the Sicilian countryside, casting long shadows across the dusty track. The air is thick with tension and the distant hum of engines. Suddenly, a shot rings out, echoing through the hills. It’s not a starter’s pistol, but a real gun. Welcome to the illicit world of Sicily’s illegal horse races, where betting runs high and so do the stakes.

Riding the Wave of Illegality

The recent incident, captured on video and circulating on social media, shows a group of men on horseback, guns in hand, racing through the Sicilian countryside. The footage, believed to be from the town of Roccapalumba, has sparked outrage and investigations from local police. But this isn’t an isolated incident. Illegal horse races, often involving firearms, have been a recurring problem in Sicily for years.

These races, known locally as ‘cavallucci’, are a dangerous twist on traditional Sicilian horse culture. They’re typically held on makeshift tracks, with participants betting heavily on the outcome. The guns, often shotguns or pistols, are used to ‘mark’ the start and end of the race, or sometimes, to settle disputes.

Ripples Across the Strait

While the races take place on the other side of the Mediterranean, their impact is felt in Malta. Many Maltese have family ties or connections to Sicily, and news of these dangerous events travels fast. “I’ve heard about these races from relatives in Sicily,” says Malta-based Italian expat, Marco Russo. “It’s worrying, especially when guns are involved.”

the Malta Police Force has expressed concern about potential links between these races and local criminal activities. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” says a spokesperson. “Any connection to Maltese-based criminal groups will be thoroughly investigated.”

Cracking Down on Chaos

Sicilian authorities are taking these races seriously. In recent years, they’ve stepped up efforts to disrupt the events and arrest those involved. In 2020, police in Palermo seized weapons and arrested several people during a planned race. But despite these efforts, the races continue.

Back in Malta, Russo hopes for a change. “It’s not the Sicilian way,” he says. “We love our horses, our traditions. But this is dangerous and needs to stop.”

As for the recent incident, Sicilian police are still investigating. They’ve appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with information to come forward. The race may be over, but the investigation is just beginning.