The day of the Palio dell'Assunta has arrived: today sees the traditional and historic procession take place, which sees the contrade of the Tuscan city compete for the Drappellone , this year the work of the artist Francesco De Grandi.

After the Palio della Madonna di Provenzano, the event returns with the second event of the year, with the ten districts competing against each other, starting at 7 pm in Piazza del Campo.

The big favorite is Leocorno , with Diodoro ridden by the champion jockey, Sardinian Giovanni Atzeni, known as Tittia . Already a winner in July's Palio with Oca, with 11 wins to his name, Tittia is aiming for the so-called "cappotto," or victory in both Palios in the same year . A true feat, which would be even more exceptional if achieved with the same horse.

Below is a list of horses and jockeys, most of which, as per tradition, come from Sardinia:

Leocorno – Giovanni Atzeni (called “Tittia”) on Diodorus

Civetta – Jonathan Bartoletti (aka “Scompiglio”) on Benitos

Valdimontone – Giuseppe Zedde (known as “Gingillo”) on Anda and Bola

Giraffe – Elias Mannucci (aka “Turbine”) on Ungaros

Tartuca – Alessandro Cersosimo on Entu de Pietra Ulpu

Eagle – Andrea Sanna (known as “Virgola”) on Diosu de Campeda

Dragon – Diego Minucci on Zenis

Panther – Dino Pes (aka “Velluto”) on Angel Face

Caterpillar – Carlo Sanna (known as “Brigante”) on Gray Diamond

Onda – Sebastiano Murtas (aka “Grandine”) on Veranu

(Unioneonline)