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

Imagine this: the sun dips low over the Sicilian countryside, and instead of the usual hum of evening activity, an eerie silence descends. Suddenly, the quiet is shattered by the thunder of hooves and the unmistakable crack of gunshots. This wasn’t a scene from a spaghetti western, but a real-life event that has left both Sicilians and Maltese alike bewildered and concerned.

Illegal Horse Racing: A Dangerous New Trend?

In the heart of Sicily, police have been investigating a series of illegal horse races that have turned violent. The races, held in remote rural areas, have been marred by the presence of armed spectators who have been firing shots into the air to celebrate their favourite horses. The most recent incident, in the town of Caltanissetta, saw police seize several firearms and arrest a number of individuals.

This new trend, which has been dubbed “cavallucci wild”, is a worrying development for local authorities. While illegal horse racing has long been a part of Sicilian culture, the involvement of firearms is a dangerous new twist. The races, which often take place at night and are organised via social media, attract large crowds and can quickly spiral out of control.

Malta’s Connection: A Tale of Two Islands

Malta, with its own rich equestrian tradition, has been watching these developments across the channel with a mix of concern and disbelief. The two islands share a deep historical and cultural bond, and news from Sicily often resonates strongly in Malta. Many Maltese have family ties to Sicily or have holidayed there, making the illegal races a topic of conversation and concern.

Local horse racing enthusiasts in Malta have been quick to distance themselves from the violent incidents. “This is not what horse racing is about,” says Joe Xuereb, a long-time member of the Marsa Racecourse in Malta. “We respect the animals and each other. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and dangerous.”

: Cracking Down on Violence

Sicilian authorities have vowed to crack down on the illegal races and the use of firearms. They have been working closely with Maltese counterparts to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to prevent similar incidents in Malta. “We take this very seriously,” says a spokesperson for the Maltese Police. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all those involved in equestrian activities in Malta.”

As the sun sets over the Sicilian countryside, the thunder of hooves and the crack of gunshots may still echo, but the message from both sides of the channel is clear: violence has no place in the world of horse racing.

“We love our horses and our traditions,” says Xuereb. “But we won’t let a few reckless individuals tarnish that with violence. It’s time to rein in this dangerous behaviour.”