Palio, horse race in the Sardinian countryside

• Photographer
  Michele Ardu

Far away from the spotlight of the main hippodromes and their dizzying betting system, there's another world of horse racing, made of passion and love. In Sardinia, as part of a village's religious celebrations, jockeys from different towns would meet to compete in thrilling horse races called Palio. There is only one rule while racing - "There are no rules". To win the Palio, the jockeys can do anything they need, facing, of course, the consequences of any affront committed. It combines the deepest aspects of the culture, such as a sense of challenge, honor, and respect. These races are great proofs of Jockeys' courage.