Horse racing is already a very dangerous sport but the Palio di Siena kicks things up a notch…actually one million notches. The semi-annual race in Siena, Italy takes place in the Piazza del Campo, a large plaza area in the middle of the city. The area is turned into a brutally cramped track and loaded with tons of dirt to create a terrifying atmosphere.
Ten horses compete, with their bareback jockeys guiding them around the makeshift track, and are repeatedly thrust into each other. Oh, and then rabid fans start flooding the track.
It’s estimated that between 40-60 horses have died during, or shortly after, the race since 1970 and the event is constantly bombarded with protests from animal rights organizations.
Here is the 2015 race and you’re invited to keep scrolling down to see highlights from the 2013 race that featured numerous brawls:
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