Sicily’s Illegal Horse Races: Guns & Gallops Shock Malta

Imagine this: a dusty Sicilian track, under the cloak of night, where the thunder of hooves is drowned out by the crack of gunshots. This isn’t a scene from a spaghetti western, but a recent incident that’s got tongues wagging in Malta, too. Sicily’s illegal horse race, complete with armed spectators, has sparked intrigue and concern across the Strait of Sicily.

A Night at the Illegal Races

In the heart of Sicily, away from the tourist traps of Taormina and Syracuse, lies the small town of Riesi. Here, in the dead of night, an illegal horse race takes place, drawing crowds from across the island. But this isn’t your typical equestrian event. Spectators, armed with pistols and rifles, line the track, firing shots into the air to ‘encourage’ their favoured horses. The spectacle, known as ‘Le Corse’, is a dangerous mix of tradition and testosterone.

Footage from these races, smuggled out by brave locals, has found its way onto Maltese social media platforms. The videos, filled with the deafening noise of gunshots and the adrenaline-fuelled cheers of spectators, have left many Maltese aghast. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Malta-based Sicilian expat, Antonio Grioli. “It’s like something out of the Wild West, not Europe in the 21st century.”

The Law Catches Up

While ‘Le Corse’ has been a well-kept secret among Sicilians for decades, the recent surge in social media sharing has put the event under the spotlight. Italian police, responding to public outcry, have launched an investigation. They’re not just probing the illegal gambling and public endangerment, but also the suspected mafia links behind the event’s organisation.

Malta’s own police force has taken notice, too. “We’re aware of the situation in Sicily,” said a spokesperson for the Malta Police Force. “While we have no evidence of similar events happening in Malta, we’re monitoring the situation closely.” Locals in Malta’s rural areas, where horse racing is a beloved tradition, have been quick to distance themselves from the Sicilian spectacle. “This is nothing like our traditional races,” said Malta’s Horse Racing Authority chairman, Joseph Mizzi. “Safety is our top priority.”

The Future of ‘Le Corse’

As the Italian police tighten their noose around ‘Le Corse’, the future of the event hangs in the balance. Some see it as a dying tradition, a relic of a bygone era. Others, however, view it as a symbol of Sicilian defiance, a middle finger to the mainland’s attempts to impose order on the island.

Back in Malta, the videos from Riesi have sparked a lively debate. Some see them as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked passion. Others, however, view them as a fascinating glimpse into a world far removed from our own. Whatever your stance, one thing’s for sure: the illegal horse races of Sicily have certainly got Malta talking.

As for Antonio Grioli, he’s hoping that the police investigation will bring an end to the dangerous spectacle. “It’s time to put an end to this,” he said. “For the sake of the horses, and the people of Sicily.”