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With riders competing bareback — and even engaging in some jostling — before a crowd of thousands, the event often called ‘the world’s most insane horse race’ is worlds apart from the Grand National.
As one expert rightly proclaims, ‘there are no rules’ when it comes to the infamous Palio di Siena horse race held in Tuscany, Italy.
So what better way for Madonna to see in her 67th birthday than to join in the delightful chaos?
The iconic pop star was spotted looking stylish and polished on Saturday afternoon as she soaked in the excitement and drama of this renowned Italian race.
The timeless pop star appeared to thoroughly enjoy the vibrant event alongside her son Rocco, daughter Lourdes Leon, and twin daughters Stella and Estere, aged 12, whom she adopted from Malawi in 2017.
Madonna, who announced that her upcoming album would be a follow-up to her successful 2005 album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, seemed fully absorbed in the festivities with her family close by.
Artist son Rocco, 25, her only child with director Guy Ritchie, was stripped to his vest as he accompanied his mother on her special day.
Eldest daughter Lourdes, 28 – her daughter with dancer Carlos Leon – also joined in on the fun during their appearance in central Italy.
Who’s that girl? Madonna was surrounded by her family on Saturday as she celebrated her 67th birthday at the famous Palio di Siena horse race in Tuscany.
Every trot they take: British singer Sting, 73, watched on as the historic event got underway
Fantastic beasts: Actor Eddie Redmayne was all smiles from his balcony above the race
This traditional event has been held in the Piazza del Campo in the Tuscan city of Siena twice a year since medieval times, with the inaugural official race taking place in 1633.
This year Madonna was in good company, with British singer Sting, 73, also spotted among the delighted tourists watching on.
The Police frontman sported a grey baseball cap and blue shirt as he intently watched the gripping action.
A short distance away, The Day of The Jackal star Eddie Redmayne, 43, was all smiles as he took in the fast-paced festivities.
The Brit actor, sporting a stylish zip-neck polo shirt, seemed to be enjoying the event amid the balmy 36C heat in Tuscany yesterday afternoon.
Tens of thousands have graced the stands of the Palio for nearly 500 years after the reigning Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I outlawed bullfighting.
The race was adopted as a way of finding a sporting champion from the 17 neighbourhoods of the city.
Mother-of-six Madonna was beaming as she spent time with Malawi-born twin daughters Stella and Estere, 12, who she adopted in 2017 and son Rocco (right)
Eldest daughter Lourdes, 28, also joined in on the fun as she larked around with her siblings
She was also seen with her DJ son Rocco, 25, who she shares with director Guy Ritchie
The Queen of Pop couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she watched the Italian horse race – where the only rule is ‘that there are no rules’
The event has taken place in the Piazza del Campo in Siena twice a year since medieval times
Tens of thousands of screaming spectators turned out to watch the action on Saturday
Today riders adhere to the same standards as their predecessors, having to ride bareback with only a set of reins and a racing whip.
Each rider dresses in the colours of their neighbourhood, ready to battle it out with other riders to the finish line.
Usually the Piazza del Campo is paved with cobblestones, but is transformed for the special event with tons of clay packed onto the surface to prepare the ground as a racetrack.
Prior to the race, colourful flags and processions adorn the city of Siena, with the highlight being the displaying of the Palio – a banner featuring the Virgin Mary to whom the race is dedicated.
The first to cross the finish line of the three-lap race is rewarded with the Palio for their victorious neighbourhood to celebrate with.
But first the participants must line up and endure the contest – which travel blogger Rick Steves has described as ‘the world’s most insane horse race’.
Madonna kept cool in the searing 35C Tuscan heat on Saturday with a traditional Italian fan
Holiday: The iconic singer saw in her 67th birthday with a stay in the historic Italian city
The musician was engrossed in the historic spectacle while flanked by her loved ones
Madonna blew kisses to fans who spotted the pop icon as she watched from a balcony
Eldest daughter Lourdes, 28 – Madonna’s daughter with dancer Carlos Leon – also joined in on the fun during their appearance in central Italy
Unlike contemporary horse races, the riders not only whip their horses – but are also allowed to whip each other in a bid to unseat their rivals
According to travel blogger Rick Steves: ‘Once the rope drops there’s one basic rule – there are no rules’
One expert proclaims ‘there are no rules’ when it comes to the infamous Palio di Siena race
The fast-paced action takes place over the course of three laps and lasts around 90 seconds
This year’s Palio was won by Valdimontone, with bystanders going wild as the winning jockey crossed the line
The first to cross the finish line of the three-lap race is rewarded with the Palio for their victorious neighbourhood to celebrate with
For unlike contemporary horse races, the riders not only whip their horses – but are also allowed to whip each other in a bid to unseat their rivals.
As Steves explained: ‘Once the rope drops there’s one basic rule – there are no rules.’
The frenzied action takes place over just 90 seconds with the crowd of up to 60,000 heard across the city of Siena from a long distance away.
Such are the risks attached to riding bareback that it is not uncommon for a few of the jockeys to be thrown off their horses while riding through the treacherous turns in the piazza.
This year’s Palio was won by Valdimontone, with bystanders going wild as the winning jockey crossed the line.
