Capannelle Racecourse reopens in Rome after financial crisis

Horse racing has resumed at the Capannelle Racecourse in Rome, marking a new phase for one of Italy’s historic equestrian facilities. The reopening follows months of intensive work to prevent the site's closure after the previous management failed, leaving debts exceeding 20 million euros to the Rome administration.

The revival is the result of institutional collaboration between the City of Rome and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests. These entities provided the necessary economic resources for restoration and requalification. To ensure operational continuity and protect existing jobs, the management has been temporarily entrusted to the in-house company Zètema Progetto Cultura.

Officials noted that the Ministry’s recognition of the facility as an ‘institutional racecourse’ provided facilitations that enabled the reopening. Funding from the Ministry also supported the purchase of essential equipment, including starting gates and an autostart system.