Thousands pack out racetrack in Siena for bareback horse race that dates to 1633 and sees riders whip EACH OTHER to get ahead
- The Palio di Siena was first run in 1633 after bullfighting was outlawed in Siena by The Grand duke of Tuscany
- Ten riders compete as representatives for different wards across the city, fighting to become a champion
- The three lapped race only lasts around 90 seconds but riders will beat each other with whips as they go
- The race is not without controversy as many animal rights movements protest the treatment of the horses
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Racing fans packed the stands in the Piazza del Campo today to watch the second leg of the infamous Italian horse race.
The race has been run in the city of Siena since medieval times, with the first formal race being organised in 1633.
The Palio became the sport of choice after reigning Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I outlawed bullfighting. The race was adopted as a way of finding a sporting champion from the wards of the city.
Today riders adhere to the same standards as their predecessors, having to ride bareback with only a set of reigns and a racing whip.
Each rider dresses in the colours of their ward, ready to battle it out with other riders to the finish line. The riders may whip each other and their horses in a bid to unseat their rivals.
The 16th of August was when the final leg of the 2019 Palio was held and each rider was determined their horse would bring home a victory for their ward.
Dust flew through the air as the unstoppable equines sped around the rich earthen track, skidding as they took corners wide as the deafening roar from the crowd overtook the beat of hooves.
In the second lap Remorex, a horse running for the city ward of Selva, unseated it’s rider to another roar from the crowd, unabashed she carried on.
As the final lap began Remorex, unhindered by a rider, swooped tight on the first corner undercutting through her competition.
Being pushed along the wall by another of her adversaries. it seemed that Remorex would be forced out but she pushed on, forcing her way ahead just as the two front-runners crossed the line, sealing victory for her ward.
The Piazza del Campo hosts the two legs of the race each year, the thick dirt track is carefully laid down before a trial run is held on it
Jockey Frederico Arri known as Ares attends a blessing ceremony for himself and his horse the priest gently presses a golden figure between the horse’s eyes as he recites a prayer
And they’re off! The race began with a roar as the ten riders set off along the dusty track, Remorex’s rider can be seen in the background wearing the Selva wards colours of green and orange
Unseated and unleashed: Remorex storms across the outside of her adversary, forcing her nose forward into the second to last turn of the track
Vittoria! Remorex’s victory means that the Selva wards flag was hoisted high, letting its colours proudly fly wide across the city
Like something out of the Colosseum, fans lean out of windows and flags are raised to the sounds of elated cheers as neighbours hug one another in disbelief at the wards victory