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QUEER ITALIAN HORSE RACE Annual Event at Siena With Armored Jockeys and Ancient Costumes. The most peculiar horse race in the world is the famous Palio, which takes place every summer at the picturesque Italian city of Siena. Magnificent mediaeval costumes are worn by all who take part in the proceedings. Before the actual racing begins, the jockeys, clad In glittering armor and their horses beautifully saddled, make a tour of the course, accompanied, by cavaliers, pages, archers, heralds and others. The scene of the race is tire huge public square before the communal palace. Here an oval course is fenced off for the occasion, and. sand spread over the concrete. The public arc admitted free to the center of the square, and the outer side of the course is surrounded by stands and houses for the use of those who are willing to pay for seats. Every district of Siena is represented by a jockey and has an emblem, among them being the snail, unicorn, caterpillar, giraffe and porcupine. Each contingent in the procession has a standard showing these emblems, and the bearers juggle with them as they march along. Before the racing each jockey takes his steed Into a church in his district and both receive a blessing. As soon as the procession is over, the jockeys retire to doff their armor. When they re-appear they resemble our Own jockeys, but the horses are without saddles, barebacked riding being the rule. Amidst thunderous cheering they at last get away and race three times around the Square. Every jockey Is allowed to use his whip freely on the shoulders of any of his rivals within reach. Directly the winner arrives at the post he is seized by the crowd, kissed and embraced and carried to the judges to receive the Palio, or prize, which is an elaborately painted banner. This he bears off In triumph and deposits In the church of- his district.
