Gran Premio delle Crete Senesi

A new equestrian celebration in the Crete Senesi

The Gran Premio delle Crete Senesi was born in Monteroni d'Arbia, in the heart of the province of Siena, as a major event dedicated to bareback horse racing—an ancient discipline of riding without a saddle that is deeply rooted in Tuscan and Sienese equestrian heritage. The event takes place at the Stadio Lido Gagliardi, whose track has long been a landmark for enthusiasts across Italy who appreciate watching horses and jockeys compete on a well-maintained, safe, and high-performance surface.

Bareback racing: the soul of the Palio and the Crete

Bareback racing is the purest and most spectacular form of popular horse racing: the jockey rides without a saddle, balancing on the animal's back in a test of courage, technique, and synergy. It is the same discipline that defines the Palio di Siena and many other local equestrian events. In Monteroni d'Arbia, the stars are the Anglo-Arab horses, a breed prized for its speed and stamina, ridden by both expert jockeys and promising young talents.

A night-time spectacle

Thanks to a brand-new lighting system, the races are held at night, offering ideal temperatures for the audience, the jockeys, and—most importantly—the horses, away from the summer heat. The evening setting gives the event a unique atmosphere, framed by the stadium lights and the stunning landscape of the Crete Senesi.

Five municipalities united

The Gran Premio is proudly sponsored by five Crete municipalities: Monteroni d'Arbia, Buonconvento, Murlo, Asciano, and Rapolano Terme. The initiative reflects a synergistic desire to create an event that combines sporting excellence with the cultural and tourist promotion of one of Tuscany's most evocative areas, characterized by its distinctive clay formations, gullies, and rolling hills.

Sport, tradition, and gastronomy

Beyond the races, the evening features food stalls offering the best of Tuscan cuisine: from tortellini to grilled meats, all to be enjoyed trackside while waiting for the grand finale. It is a complete popular festival that brings together equestrian passion, conviviality, and the celebration of the local traditions of the Crete Senesi.