Palio di Asti 2026: Cattedrale, Tanaro, and San Silvestro qualify in first heat

The 2026 Palio di Asti commenced with the first heat, following the official start signal given by Mayor Maurizio Rasero to Captain Giuseppe Vertucci. The race was marked by significant tension and technical difficulties, including eight false starts and a malfunction with the starting rope. During the proceedings, jockey Mattia Chiavassa of San Paolo was thrown to the ground during one of the chaotic starts.

Despite the disruptions, the race concluded with three contestants qualifying for the final. Cattedrale, ridden by Marco Bitti on Wakanda, took first place. Tanaro, with Federico Arri on Chimera Da Clodia, and San Silvestro, with Salvatore Nieddu on Sa Luna, secured the remaining qualifying positions. Other participants, including Montechiaro, Nizza Monferrato, San Paolo, and Moncalvo, did not advance.