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

Imagine this: a dusty track in Sicily, under the cloak of night, horses thunder past, their hooves kicking up clouds of earth. But this isn’t your typical horse race. Armed men line the track, guns drawn, ensuring no one dares to cheat. This is the reality of an illegal horse race in Sicily, and it’s got Maltese authorities sitting up in their seats.

Guns at the Ready

Footage circulating online shows a scene straight out of a gangster movie. Horses race along a makeshift track, while men, armed with pistols and shotguns, stand sentinel. The race, held in the Sicilian town of Gela, was busted by local police who seized weapons and arrested several individuals. But the question on everyone’s mind here in Malta is: how does this affect us?

Malta and Sicily share more than just a stretch of Mediterranean sea. They share a history, a culture, and unfortunately, sometimes, criminal activities. So, when something like this happens just across the water, it’s natural for Maltese to take notice.

Malta’s Stake in the Game

Malta’s police force, the Malta Police Force (MPF), has been keeping a close eye on the situation. Superintendent Martin Fenech, head of the MPF’s Criminal Investigations Department, told Hot Malta, “We’re aware of the situation and are in touch with our Italian counterparts. While we have no direct evidence of Maltese involvement, we’re not ruling anything out.”

Local bookies and gambling dens are under scrutiny. While illegal gambling is nothing new in Malta, the potential link to armed races in Sicily has authorities on high alert. “We’re looking into any potential connections,” said Fenech, “and reminding the public that illegal gambling is a serious crime.”

From Sicily to St. Julian’s

Malta’s bustling tourism hub, St. Julian’s, is a stone’s throw from Paceville, known for its vibrant nightlife and, some say, less savory activities. Could Sicily’s armed races find their way here? “We’re not aware of any such activities happening in Malta,” said Fenech, “but we’re vigilant. Our officers are trained to spot and deal with such situations.”

Hot Malta spoke to local businessman, Joe Borg, who owns a popular Paceville bar. “We’ve seen nothing like that here. But we’re always on the lookout. Safety of our customers is our priority.”

So, while Malta might not be ready to don its gangster movie persona just yet, it’s clear that the island is taking Sicily’s armed races seriously. As Superintendent Fenech put it, “We’re not going to let our guard down. Not on our watch.”