European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - September 10, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                 Cej Taly Jromes Horsem fever in Siena Story and illustrations by Alba Bra Coli Mediterranean Bureau Siena is a Friendly place and the sienese Are elegant poised gentle people. Bui periodically they All fall into a seizure that turns their tranquil own into a place of frenzy haired and madness. The recurrent insanity centers around an boo Yeier old tradition called Patio race for the Banner. Every year on j uly 2nd, August 16 and september 13, the 17 districts that form the town of Siena compete in a bareback horse race where anything goes for spectators and competitors alike. The districts have colourful names such As silkworm wave. Porcupine or Goose and prepare for the fierce Competition with a heavy baggage of ancient scores to be settled and alliances to be nurtured. Four Days before each race by a system of rotation and lottery each District is assigned a horse. The jockeys Are Tough wiry sardinian with Antt Tirgg bareback Riding abilities. They Are in it strictly for the Money lots of it. Districts pay As much As $50,000 for Riding in the race and pledge another i100,000 for a winning run. To raise the necessary capital the residents of each District contribute to a War Chesl. Districts thai have drawn Good horses use part of in to engage the better jockeys. Those that have drawn weaker horses plan Complex interference strategies with Allied districts for the sheer pleasure of thwarting their common enemies chances of Success. It s a known fact that the War Chesl Money has frequently been used to bribe any agent who can 8 to Fiatt Oigt Zint Irett Mytr 10,1917