Siena Palio preparations: Onda and Giraffa win preliminary trials

Preparations for the Palio di Siena, dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta, are underway with several preliminary trials held in Piazza del Campo. The first trial, held on August 13, was won by the Contrada dell'Onda with jockey Andrea Sanna riding the horse Viso d’Angelo.

The second trial, held on the morning of August 14, was won by the Contrada della Giraffa, featuring jockey Elias Mannucci and the horse Euskaldi. The third trial, held later that afternoon, also saw a victory for the Contrada della Giraffa.

The upcoming race on August 16 follows a period of intense competition and horse assignments. Notable horses include Diodoro, Anda e Bola, and Benitos, which have been central to recent Palio history. The event's official banner, or 'Cencio', was created by artist Teodora Axente and commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Camollia.