Remorex, a descendant of
British racehorses, prevailed in the Palio di Siena on Friday, even though his rider fell off at halfway
For reasons of equine welfare, I imagine that many of you will share my reservations about the Palio di Siena, the medieval race which is still held twice a year around that city’s main square. But I bring Friday’s race to your attention because of one extraordinary aspect, that it was won by a loose horse.
Remorex is the horse in question, ridden for the first half of the race by Giovanni Atzeni, a cousin to Andrea, who we know well. Alas, they parted when ambitiously trying to take the edge off one of the corners. In fairness to Atzeni, no saddles are used in the Palio. Frankly, it’s a miracle that some of the jockeys stay aboard throughout.