Tonight’s participants screened

The Palio of July 2, 2026 will be held tonight at 7:30 PM. We would like to provide an overview of the 10 participants. Who’s favorite? Who are the outsiders? And who are the unknowns?

Favorites:

Aquila

Aquila is the undisputed favorite. With Tittia on Diodoro, the pair that won the Palio on July 3, 2025, is riding for them. It seems they have only to lose. Will Aquila return to victory after 34 years?

Oca

With Benitos, the winner of August 2024 is in the stable. Grandine will ride him. A golden opportunity for him to win the first Palio. But the loyalty towards Atzeni is strong and is under pressure. For both Murtas and the contrada. We are curious to see.

Onda

Brigante was paired with the winner of August 2026. A golden opportunity to win his third Palio for Onda. Were it not that other factors are at play here as well, namely the ties to Atzeni.

Outsiders:

Bruco

Bruco left the Piazza dejected on June 29 when they were assigned Donrodrigo. A few hours later, Velluto appeared in the contrada and the atmosphere changed. He suffered a heavy fall in the terza prova, but he would be back for roll call tonight. The choice of Velluto is one of faith in their own abilities. Will Bruco win the Palio again after 18 years?

Civetta

Civetta took home Viso D’Angelo, who almost carries the label of ‘eternal runner-up’. Captain Papei’s choice of Gingillo is an attacking one, without regard for the rival. So don’t be surprised if we see Civetta finish close behind.

Unknown:

Drago

Debutant Eberardo was paired with debutant Fastidio (Diego Minucci). A chance for this very young (20 years old) fantasist to prove himself. Nothing is mandatory, anything goes.

Giraffa

With Diosu De Campeda, there is a fast horse in the stable, but also a difficult one on the ropes. During the Prove, the picture from 2025 was confirmed. Twisting, turning, and restlessness. Tamurè has a lot of work to do with him. But if they are leading the pack, this horse could well be a surprise.

Leocorno

Volpino is in Leocorno’s stable for the second time. In July 2022, it injured itself during the start and was led away as a precaution. It is therefore actually a debutant as well. Virgola is getting a new chance but will initially look to rival Civetta.

Torre

Bellocchio on Entu de P.Ulpu has only one mission: to make the rivals lose. And there are two of them, and on paper both have a good chance, each being a former winner. So, will it come down to a choice? Should Torre rincorsa be the only option, it could turn out to be a long evening…

Valdimontone

The winner of the last Palio chooses debutant Lesto (Salvatore Nieddu) for the assigned Canarinu. There is great calm in the contrada; they won last year and rival Nicchio is not participating. So, no pressure on the young jockey. Or are they helping Aquila so that their rival becomes the nonna (the district in Siena that has not been won for the longest time)?

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