2-969-848 - /Heritage Images

Carnival Races at Rome, 1856. 'The horses are now at their starting posts, without riders...At the start a rope is placed across the street, the horses being led close up to it. Those trained to it wait for the drop, and then fly off like an arrow from a bow. Some try this too soon, and inevitably perform a somersault, dragging with them the hapless groom in all the glory of his holiday costume. Some, from nervousness, let go their best opportunity, and are left far behind, exposed to the raillery of the spectators, who encourage only the successful; soon these are stopped in their course, and lucky is the rightful owner if he ever procures his horse again'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.