There is a very festive atmosphere surrounding the 39th Palio di Fonn, which saw the victory of the very young standard-bearer Riccardo Maloccu (21 years old), making his debut aboard “Fastidio da Clodia”.
For the Municipality, which had been waiting for first place on the podium since 2013 ( the last winner for Fonni was Luca Masuri), it was a sold-out palio, with hundreds of fans crowded behind the barriers of the Galoppatoio San Cristoforo since the afternoon.
The event, promoted by the ASD with the support of the Municipality, the Region, and Bim Taloro, was graced by impeccable organization with exceptional sponsors: the historic jockeys of the Palio di Siena, Andrea Degortes "Aceto" and Sebastiano Deledda "Legno."
For the race, contested with Anglo-Arabian horses, pursuant to the recent ministerial decree reviewing the admission of thoroughbreds to racing, a total prize pool of €31,000 was offered, divided into €18,000 for the winner, €3,000 and €2,000 for second and third place respectively, in addition to €1,500 for the heat prize and €2,000 for the pairs.
The long equestrian evening began at 6:30 PM , with the teams of local jockeys. The first and second heats of the Palio were thrilling, before the final at 8:15 PM saw the crowd erupt in a standing ovation as Maloccu crossed the finish line, followed by Silvano Mulas (Gavoi), Gavino Sanna (Burgos), Antonio Siri (Esporlatu), and finally Usini with Carlo Sanna, Gianluca Fais (Ploaghe), Giuseppe Piccinnu (Orune), and Daniele Sanna (Sindia).
For Riccardo Maloccu, surrounded by dozens of celebrating young people, tears of joy flowed as he raised his hands to the sky, in memory of his friends Michele Soddu, Marco Innocenti, Lorenzo Figus and Michele Coinu, who disappeared in the “Caravai” accident last October .
"An indescribable feeling. I've dreamed of this moment since I was a child," said the young man, while a banner reading "Always with Us" hung over his shoulders in memory of his friends. "I dedicate this victory, the fruit of so much hard work and sacrifice, to my community, but especially to Michele, Marco, Lorenzo, and Michele, who live forever in my heart."