Oca contrada wins general practice for Palio dell'Assunta

The Oca contrada, guided by jockey Michel Putzu, known as Spago, has claimed victory in the general practice for the upcoming Palio dell'Assunta in Siena. Riding the horse Diamante Sauro, Putzu secured the win in a practice race that traditionally precedes the main event.

The practice race saw a dynamic start, with the Nicchio contrada initially taking a strong position. However, the lead soon shifted to Istrice, followed by Torre, and then Lupa. The competition intensified through the laps, with Oca making a decisive move in the third lap to seize the lead and maintain it until the finish.

This general practice, a customary event, was preceded by a display of Carabinieri on horseback. The Palio di Siena, a historic horse race dedicated to the Madonna Assunta, is set to take place on Sunday, August 16th, in the Piazza del Campo. A final practice, known as the 'provaccia', is scheduled for 9 a.m. on race day, followed by the procession of the 10 jockeys competing for the Palio, which this year is painted by Romanian artist Teodora Axente.