While preparing for the magnificent Palio race, a horse met a horrible end.
The eight-year-old bay, known as Messi, was seriously injured after he crashed into a barrier on an infamous curve.
The animal was taken to a clinic by emergency veterinarians, but it did not survive and passed away from a heart attack caused by the accident.
The accident happened in Siena, a charming medieval town in Tuscany that hosts the colorful event twice a year.
The upcoming race, scheduled for this Saturday, is still scheduled to take place and is expected to draw thousands of spectators.
The Duchess of York, Tony Blair, and Daniel Craig, among other VIPs, had previously witnessed the fast-paced race as the horses galloped around the cobblestoned il Campo area.
Animal rights advocates in Italy have long opposed the race, which has roots in the thirteenth century.
Since 1970, fifty horses have passed away.
The main animal rights activists in Italy, LAV, released a statement today saying, “This is precisely why we are calling for the Palio to be banned.”
“Yet another death has occurred, and there is still the race itself as well as the Palio of August to complete.” How many more horses must perish before this heinous show is put to an end?
On its second loop around the square, the horse, according to officials, struck the barrier at the San Martino bend. It then hobbled for a few steps before fainting in front of the town hall.
While riding for the Chiocciola contrade, jockey Antonio Villella sustained a shoulder injury.
After receiving care, the hospital released him. Rain had earlier forced the suspension of practice, but it was now permitted to continue.
Twice a year, in July and August, the Palio is held.
Ninety seconds are allotted for a bareback sprint around the main square of Siena, with jockeys from ten of the city’s seventeen contrades competing.
The only regulation in the competition is that jockeys are not allowed to seize their opponents’ reins; nonetheless, they are permitted to beat a rival’s horse or even knock a jockey off his horse.
The first horse to finish three laps of the square wins, even if it reaches the finishing line alone. Officials announced that the race will go forward on Saturday as scheduled.
Although horses have passed away during training, the last race-related death was in 2004 when Amoroso, an additional eight-year-old bay, died and three others were hurt.
Following today’s occurrence, LAV further stated that, in accordance with Italian law, event organizers who staged animal-killing activities risked fines and up to two years in jail.
The group also called for an inquiry into Messi’s passing.
Not all deaths are caused by animals; a French visitor to Siena for the Palio last year perished after being struck by falling brickwork while dining beneath a balcony.
While filming sequences for Quantum of Solace that included the race, James Bond star Daniel Craig visited the Palio and was spotted dashing across the terracotta rooftops as the horses thundered around the plaza.
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