San Rossore, it’s time for the 132nd “Pisa” prize – Chronicle
by Renzo Castelli
Today the 132nd “Pisa” prize is running, a race that has the weight of so much history on its shoulders. The first edition – March 15, 1885 – was called “Premio del Commercio di Pisa”, an idea that came to the president of the horse racing company, Giacinto Fogliata. The traders, convinced, had taxed themselves with 5 lire each, to create an attractive premium, bringing it to 1000 lire which became 2000 thanks to the municipal contribution. O tempora… To compete with the equestrian event, the show of the famous equestrian circus ‘Back’ with lions, leopards and even a hippo was announced at the Barrier. But the races remained the main ‘event’ on Sunday 15 March. Nice people, carriages of all kinds and a very present as well as discreet order service entrusted to a company of carabinieri commanded by Lieutenant Marquis Alfonso D’Afflitto. Rosenberg won, who will then also win the Royal Derby, and the story continued… until today even with some interruptions caused by corporate crises and the bombs of the Second World War. Said of the past, let’s look at the present. Today’s program is packed with appointments. The 132nd “Pisa – ITM Trophy” (Listed) prize this year presents an audience of nine competitors. The race will be enriched by the presence of crack jockey Frankie Dettori who will be riding The Great Gatsby. Uncertain and qualitative course. The day will also be filled with other races of great technical and spectacular depth. So will be the 23rd prize “Regione Toscana” (Listed) with 10 horses that compete on the always challenging distance of 2200 meters, while the 64th prize “San Rossore” (Main Handicap) will enjoy the traditional trophy that the Head of State puts in the prize since 1959.
Finally, the 31st “Enrico Camici” (Main Handicap) prize, a race reserved for sprinters, will be a new entry compared to the traditional calendar. In addition to the “Casa di Cura di San Rossore” and “Banca di Pisa e Fornacette” prizes, proving to be equipped with a sturdy endowment, the longines Fegentri World Championship for Gentlemen Riders Cup international race will complete the rich program, a test for riders and amazons that does part of the tradition of Prato degli Escoli.
Seven races scheduled, it starts at 15; our favorites
I run, 2000 meters – Friday Night, Spinning Art.
II run, 1600 meters – Maestro Dutch, De Troisville, Tockins.
III run, 1200 meters – Danny Ocean, Rooster, You Make Me Shever.
IV run, 2200 meters – Clarenzo Fan, Latino Brigante, O’Juke.
V run, 1750 meters – Mignolo, Ancora Drago, Luigi Pirandello.
VI run, 1600 meters – The Great Gatsby, The flower of the king, Ilgani.
VII run, 1600 meters – I Know Why, Win The Best, Silver Mission.