The Results are in – L’Aquila has won the July ^3rd, 2026 Il Palio di Siena.

The Nobile Contrada dell'Aquila (Aquila) won the Palio of July 2, 2026, which took place today, Friday, July 3, after being postponed due to inclement weather. The Contrada’s horse Diodora was rode by Jockey Giovanni Atzeni, known as Tittia, who also won the July Palio last year for Contrada Oca. 

There was no stopping Aquila in this race as they immediately took the lead and led the race until the finish. Behind the pair of Tittia and Diodoro,  Civetta tried to close the gap until the final lap, but there was no stopping Aquila as they reached the flag and finished triumphant.

Until yesterday, Aquila was the nonna (“the grandmother”), the nickname given to the Contrada with the longest wait since its last victory. The last time Aquila won Il Palio was July 1992. 

Aquila was awarded The Drappellone (a banner) designed by Ismaele Nones, which was dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano and named to commemorate the 800^th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, will now be held in the Via del Casato district.

First held in 1656, The Palio di Siena, otherwise known as "Il Palio", is one of the oldest and most famous horse races in the world. Held twice a year on July 2 and August 16 on The Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy to honor The Virgin Mary, this bareback horse race is a battle between the 17 Contrade (neighborhoods) of Siena. 

Photo Courtesy - https://www.ilpalio.org/ 

Celebrate & Remember Aquila's Win
With Palio di Siena Dinnerware