An event dedicated to horseracing, entitled “Italian and British Horse Racing: Heritage, Culture and Sport”, was held at the Embassy of Italy in London the day before the Royal Ascot races.
The initiative was an important opportunity to promote Italian racing, not only in the sense of sport, but also from an economic, cultural and entrepreneurial angle, helping strengthen its international positioning and create new prospects for cooperation with the UK, attracting interest from new potential private partners. It was attended by representatives of Italian and British institutions, operators in the sector, economic stakeholders, and specialist media, as well as a special guest: the legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori.
The Deputy Head of Mission, Riccardo Smimmo, opened the event, saying “The strong bond between Italian and British horseracing is not only a reflection of our shared history, but also a solid basis for future collaborations and growth in an extremely dynamic sector.”
The event examined the plan to relaunch and renew Italian racing, as well as opportunities for international collaboration, including commercial agreements for the international distribution and promotion of Italian races and the establishment of strategic partnerships between operators in Italy and the UK.
“The future success of horseracing will depend on the ability to invest in people and acknowledge their contributions, while preserving the traditions that have made racing a noble sport. It is a shared challenge around the world: the need to evolve, in a global context of habits and lifestyles that are continually transforming. Today’s event is therefore an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and build a shared vision for the future, inspired by great champions – men, women and horses – who shaped our past, and with trust in the generations that will shape our future”, said Remo Chiodi, who is responsible for matters relating to horses at the Italian Ministry of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF).
Brant Dunshea, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), also shared his vision, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
Particular attention was given to the promotion of the 200th Corsa dell’Arno, which will take place in Florence on 25 April 2027, which was founded in 1827 by English, Russian and Polish nobles, following the rules of British racing, testifying to a historic link between Italian and British horseracing tradition.
A cultural project to promote Italian horseriding heritage was also presented. The project is overseen by the equestrian fund of the National Historic Library of Agriculture and is held by the Ministry of Agriculture. It comprises approximately a million volumes dedicated to the world of horses, including texts on veterinary practice, breeding, horseriding, the use of horses in sporting and military contexts, and it includes rare English-language publications.
On the sidelines of the event, there was a celebration of Italian cuisine, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Ministry of Agriculture, with the support of Ristoranti Italiani Autentici all’Estero, presented awards to 11 Italian chefs based in the UK, in recognition of the work and the passion with which they represent Italian cuisine internationally. It was stressed that being an Italian chef abroad is a role that goes beyond preparing a dish; it means safeguarding a culture; telling the story of land, biodiversity and tradition; and transforming food into identity, memory and emotion. The evening celebrated individual talent and the collective strength of Italian restaurants around the world, in an ambience of sharing and pride.
