Siena

Today, July 2, 2013, one of the most exciting sporting events on our planet occurs in Siena, Italy. I've been to it twice and it's a fantastic experience. The Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice each year, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena. Ten horses and riders dressed in the appropriate colors, represent ten of the seventeen contrade, or neighborhoods. The race itself, in which the jockeys ride bareback, circles the Piazza del Campo in Siena. Atop a thick layer of dirt laid in the piazza, the race is only three laps, and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds. It is not uncommon for a few of the

jockeys to be thrown off their horses while making the treacherous turns in the piazza, and indeed, it is not unusual to see unmounted horses finishing the race without their jockeys. Spectators have been injured as well as numerous horses, so there is a justified call to make changes. Regardless, to be in Siena today would be a real thrill.