Ozzastru, a horse belonging to jockey Luca Minisini of the Onda (Wave) district, is led out a church by the Barbaresco (carer) after the pre-race blessing ceremony.

Siena kept its 400-year-old tradition when the first running of the year of the Palio horse race was held in the city’s main square, il Campo.

The contest, which has been held almost without fail since the mid-1600s, takes place twice a year with 10 neighbourhoods, or contrade, competing in each.

The winner of the first race on Tuesday was jockey Giovanni Atzeni of the Oca contrada.

Ten riders from the city’s 17 districts race bareback around the shell-shaped central square to win the coveted Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.

The only rule in the colourful event, which is also surrounded with pageantry, is that the jockeys must not grab the reins of their adversaries.

Whipping a rival’s horse or even knocking a jockey off his steed is allowed.

It is not uncommon for a number of the jockeys to be thrown off as they navigate the treacherous turns at high speed. Victory goes to the first horse to complete three laps of the square, even if it crosses the finishing line without a rider.

This week was the Palio di Provenzano, in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano, and the second race will be held on August 16.