These trials are NOT a qualifying races, but rather 6 opportunities for the jockey to get to know the horse. If the Captain of the Contrada feels that the jockey is not the right fit for the horse or for this Palio’s strategies, they can hire a new one. The jockey choice is only finalized after the 6th trial on the morning of the 2nd. The horse CANNOT be changed; what the Fates have decided is what the Contrada will work with!
Palio Dates and Times to Know:
• Night Trials (le Prove di Notte): 28 June (5.30-7.30)
• Selection Trials (le Batterie): 29 June (7.00)
• Assignment of the Horses (Assegnazione dei Cavalli): 29 June (ca. 12.00)
• 1st Trial (Prima Prova): 29 June (19.45)
• 2nd Trial (Seconda Prova): 30 June (9.00)
• 3rd Trial (Terza Prova): 30 June (19.45)
• 4th Trial (Quarta Prova): 1 July (9.00)
• 5th Trial (Prova Generale): 1 July (19.45)
• Mass for the Jockeys (Messa del Fantino): 2 July (7.45)
• 6th Trial (la Provaccia): 2 July (9.00)
• Blessing of the Horse (Benedizione del Cavallo): 2 July (15.00)
• Historical Procession (Corteo Storico)leaves from each Contrada (going to Duomo then Campo)
• Piazza del Campo closes: 2 July (18.15)
• Palio - si corre! 2 July (19.30)
