Jockeys ride their horses during the last day of practice for the Palio horse race in Siena
Jockeys ride their horses during the last day of practice for the Palio horse race in Siena July 1, 2008. Since the mid-1600s, 10 riders have hurtled bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square every year in a desperate bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. The event is held yearly on July 2 and August 16, REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (ITALY)