On 10 August 1275, the militias of Asti, who had been besieging the city of Alba for some time, killed time waiting to race the Palio under the walls of the enemy town. We know this thanks to the reports of Guglielmo Ventura, a chronicler from Asti, who also adds that his fellow citizens used to compete in the turbulent horse race to honour San Secondo, patron saint of the city of Asti.
Twenty-one thoroughbreds representing twenty-one city neighbourhoods and municipalities of the Province of Asti, still compete against each other today, on the trapezoidal circuit of Piazza Alfieri, in the presence of about 12,000 spectators, every first Sunday in September. The jockeys ride bareback, with the sole help of a snaffle and reins, measuring their dexterity and skill in an exciting, no-holds-barred race, animated by the colourful “supporters” of each neighbourhood. Three elimination rounds and a nine-horse final to conquer the coveted Palio, a crimson velvet drape bearing the effigy of San Secondo.
