Bay gelding Zio Frac won according to the rules, despite its jockey Carlo Sanna, aka Brigante, being de-horsed halfway through the legendary race.

Oca, the most successful district in the race’s history with 66 wins, took the lead after the Giraffa and the Pantera fell, and held on after a later fall of its chief rival, the Torre.

Several horses ended the race without their riders.

Siena’s world-famous race the Palio, meaning “banner”, dates back to the 13th century, and is one of Italy’s most colourful tourist attractions, although many newcomers to the event are shocked at how violent it can be and how much deep-rooted intra-urban passion and animosity it arouses.

Before the race Mayor Nicletta Fabio caused a stir by claiming the race should only be for locals.

“For me the Palio is not a tourist attraction and I don’t want it to become one,” he said in a press conference.

“The tourists who come and hurriedly observe our event, without having really understood what the Palio is, are not a great resource for the city.”

This was despite Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè, who attended Wednesday’s race, being quoted in the local press in recent days as saying “the Palio is good for tourism”.

Meanwhile, Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani said he would continue to push for it to be granted UNESCO status.

Siena’s world-famous race, which formed the backdrop to the opening sequence of the 2007 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, takes place each year on July 2 and August 16, although some years there is an extra race at the beginning of September.

Jockeys from ten of Siena’s 17 ‘contrade’ or neighbourhoods compete for the silk prize in the 90-second hurtle around the Piazza del Campo.

The only rule in the competition is that the jockeys, or fantini, mustn’t grab the reins of their adversaries. That means whipping a rival’s horse or even knocking a jockey off his steed is allowed.

Victory goes to the first horse to complete three laps of the square, even if it arrives at the finishing post without a rider.

The chaotic race in Siena’s main square attracts thousands of visitors each year, who are mostly oblivious to the rough, indeed perhaps inhumane treatment, the horses receive.

Animal rights activists have long campaigned to have the event banned, saying it is cruel, has little to do with sporting skill and is dangerous for the horses, jockeys and spectators.

More than 50 horses have died on the course since 1970.

ANSA