All set for Su Palu de Sa Itria

The Anglo-Arab horses are back in competition in Gavoi with a prize pool of 22,000 euros.

On Sunday, July 26th, during the Country Festival in Honor of the Madonna d'Itria, the gallop race called Su Palu de Sa Itria will be repeated, as it has been for centuries, one of the equestrian competitions that enthusiasts cannot miss!

The Gavoi knights raced Su Palu to demonstrate their valor astride swift horses during the celebrations in honor of the Madonna d'Itria, but also to excel and be rewarded. Indeed, documents show that substantial prize money was available as early as 1800.

The Su Palu race was held in Gavoi before Sardinia had racetracks and before equestrian associations and new races were established in almost every town. For several years, the race has been reserved exclusively for Anglo-Arab horses. The Committee, under the patronage of the RAS - Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the Municipality of Gavoi, the BIM (Italian National Institute of Horse Racing), and numerous private sponsors, with the organizational collaboration of the ASD Gavoi Ippica, continues the tradition of the race while also working to promote the Anglo-Arab horse, the pride of the island's breeding.

On Sunday, July 26th, at 5 p.m., horses and riders will compete on the Lidana plateau to once again revive an event rich in history and culture, among Nuragic remains, sheepfolds, and a crowd of enthusiasts and onlookers.

The Su Palu course has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the times. Originally a straight track, today the course, not far from the original, is circular, easy yet challenging, showcasing the jockeys' skills, not just the strength and speed of their steeds. Contemplating the Su Palu de Sa Itria title and the generous prize pool (€22,000, including €15,000 for 1st place, €3,000 for 2nd place, €1,500 for 3rd place, €500 for 4th place, €500 for each heat winner, and €1,000 for the winner of the final) will be, as per tradition, the best island jockeys and, as often happens, jockeys from the mainland as well.

Su Palu, as per tradition, is a free-to-enter race; participants can compete bareback or in saddle, following the established formula: the qualifying heat over a distance of 1200 meters, plus the final (and consolation final) over a distance of 1600 meters. Information on the regulations and registration forms can be downloaded from the website www.saitria.it

The equestrian events will continue in the late afternoon of Monday, July 27th, with the Provas de abilidade a Caddu (Ability Trials) for Gavoi riders. Tuesday will feature the non-competitive donkey trials with Su Palieddu de Sos Muristenes (Ability Trials) for Gavoi jockeys. On Wednesday, the 29th, the festival will conclude with Sa Ghirada a Caddu, a horseback parade from the rural sanctuary to the village.