When you think about modern horse racing, Italy doesn’t come first to mind even though this is the place where the world first saw an organized horse race (back in Roman Times). Nowadays, there are a couple of impressive racetracks all around Italy.
The country shares a deep history with horse racing, and it even features the oldest race in the world The Palio di Siena dating back more than 800 years. This is much more than the famous Kentucky Derby, which celebrated its 150th anniversary this year.
Apart from Palio di Siena, there are other jewels of tracks in Italy, like the Ippodromo Roma Capannelle. This isn’t as popular as one of the mainstream tracks all across the world, probably because of the lack of international racing events. But this doesn’t mean that it isn’t a thing of beauty.
So, let’s learn more about this hidden jewel that shares a lot of history.
The Ippodromo’s history stretches back further than your average non-Roman family tree. Horse racing has been a Roman staple since the Etruscan era (think toga parties and gladiator sandals, not Vespas). Back then, it was all about chariots, with emperors like Caligula notorious for throwing wildly extravagant races (talk about bread and circuses!).
Fast forward a couple of millennia (give or take a barbarian invasion or two), and the Ippodromo we know today emerged in the late 1800s. Funded by a group of high-society horsemen (trust fund babies, most likely), it quickly became a cornerstone of Roman social life. Imagine the gossip swirling around the track like the dust from the horses’ hooves!
A Modern Marvel: By the Numbers
Today, the Ippodromo is a sleek and sophisticated complex. The main dirt track stretches for a cool 2,050 meters (about 1.27 miles), with an additional grass track for those who like things a bit more… verdant. But the magic isn’t just in the dirt. This racetrack has three tracks that are elliptical in shape and located in front of the tribunes.
Races are held year-round, with the season peaking in spring and autumn.
Over 100 race days take place annually and the place is packed with spectators. When horses are released for a day off and there isn’t any race, we usually get a concert at Ippodromo Roma, which is not bad since it brings some liveliness to the empty track. This is a fully modern track nowadays, and it can accommodate more than 20,000 people, which is quite impressive.
The prestigious Premio Roma (think Kentucky Derby, but Roman style) is held every November, attracting the finest thoroughbreds in Italy (and the fanciest hats, no doubt).
The prize money for these races can reach into the thousands of euros (€ 242,000 for the Premio Roma), making victory sweeter than a plate of cacio e pepe (a cheesy Roman pasta dish, for the uninitiated).
The best thing about the Ippodromo Roma is that we are seeing a bright future. Why? Well, the Hippodrome has undergone a careful and quite expensive restoration and updating of the structures. This proves that the community still cares about horse racing and that the sport will survive for another thousand years.
A Day at the Races
But the Ippodromo is about more than just fat purses and fancy hats (although those are certainly part of the allure). It’s a day out, a chance to soak in the atmosphere, and maybe even win a few bucks if you fancy yourself a betting whiz (just remember, even the most seasoned gambler can’t predict a horse’s mood swing).
If you want to dive deeper into betting strategies, make sure to check out TwinSpires.com and get some expert predictions.
Here’s what you can expect:
A lively paddock area where you can get up close and personal with the magnificent steeds (just don’t get in their way, they’re laser-focused on winning).
A variety of restaurants and bars serve everything from traditional Roman fare to post-race cocktails (because let’s face it, sometimes you need a drink to win or lose gracefully).
Big-screen TVs showcasing races from around the world (so you can compare your Roman nag to those fancy Dubai racers).
And of course, the thrill of the race itself. The ground thunders, the crowd roars, and the horses become furry blurs of speed and determination. It’s enough to make even the most jaded Roman feel a surge of excitement.
Ippodromo: A Slice of Roman Life
So, if you find yourself in Rome, ditch the overpriced Trevi Fountain trinkets and head to the Ippodromo.
It is a place that isn’t considered a tourist attraction, and many people that come to Rome completely forget about it. If you want to feel the true spirit of the track, make sure to book your trip during some big horse racing event.
It’s a place where history meets horsepower, where fortunes are made (and lost), and where the true Roman spirit – passionate, competitive, and a touch dramatic – is on full display.
