Is There Horse Racing in Rome?

What’s the first thing that pops to mind when you think of Rome? Probably the Colosseum and all those chariot races that were held there. But that was during the time of the Roman Empire, and since the fall, things have changed here quite a lot.

So, what about modern-day Rome? Can you really find horse racing events here? The short answer is yes! 

The horse scene in Rome is still very much alive, and although only one racetrack survived, it is just enough to keep the flames going. – We are talking about the Capannelle Racecourse. A beautiful turf racecourse that was constructed in 1881 and rebuilt to suit modern standards in 1926 to a design by Paolo Vietti-Violi.

So, as you’d imagine, we are talking about a beautiful racecourse with a unique design and vibe.

Capannelle Racecourse

As we mentioned before, the horse racing culture in Rome is kept alive only by Ippodromo delle Capannelle, which is a track that has been around for quite some time. It is only about 12 kilometers southeast of the Colosseum, but we aren’t talking about a historic monument that turned into a relic – it is a working racecourse that hosts many races every year.

This year, it is still the only spot in Rome where you can go and watch some elite horse racing events, and some of the biggest ones are Premio Presidente della Repubblica, which is a Group 2 race over 1,800 meters, and quite an attractive prize purse of €153,000.

Okay, it might not be a Grade 1 race like the Kentucky Derby, with a $5 million prize purse and 150,000 spectators, but it's still a great race that pulls up to 20,000 people. Of course, if you are more of a Kentucky Derby fan, you can still watch and place a bet on the race online, just make sure you get all the online horse betting promotions.

So, when does the action happen on Capannelle Racecourse? In other words, when is the best time to visit?

Well, the racing season runs from April to November, with many Group 2 races that are quite fun to watch. 

A Nod to the Past

You can’t talk horse racing in Rome without tipping a hat to its ancient roots. Back in the day—think 6th century BC to 549 AD—the Circus Maximus was the place, a massive 621-meter-long stadium where chariot races thrilled up to 150,000 Romans. 

Teams of four horses (quadriga) hit speeds near 40 mph, crashing around a spina, with drivers risking it all for glory and sesterces—Gaius Appuleius Diocles banked 35.9 million over 24 years. 

That ended with the Western Empire’s fall, but today’s Capannelle carries a faint echo: thoroughbreds, not chariots, racing for prestige, not imperial favor. The transition’s centuries old, but Rome’s love for horsepower never quit.

What’s It Like in 2025?

Well, it’s perfect for a casual horse racing fan who isn’t a fan of big crowds and expensive champagne. Imagine a sunny Sunday at Capannelle, €3 entry, families sprawled on the lawn, and horses thundering down a 2,000-meter grass track. 

The facility spans 140 hectares—two gallop tracks, one trotting oval, and sand tables for 1,000 horses.

Big races get televised on RAI Sport, and betting’s legal via on-site booths or apps, with Italians wagering €3 billion yearly on sporting events, and a high percentage of that goes to horse racing. 

This year was already crazy, and people cheered wins like Flavia Bros taking the ANACT Stakes at Capannelle, hinting at a lively scene. It’s not the Kentucky Derby—Italy’s racing ranks mid-tier globally—but for Rome, it’s a steady pulse, drawing locals and tourists who’d rather bet on a filly than brave Vatican crowds.

Beyond Capannelle

Don’t expect racetracks all over Rome. Capannelle’s the main gig—Ippodromo Tor di Valle, a trotting spot, shut down in 2021 after 63 years, per La Repubblica archives. 

Smaller meets happen in places like Grosseto, 150 kilometers north, but Rome itself? One track, one vibe. The city’s too packed—1.2 million in its core—for another venue, and zoning’s tight. Ancient sites like the Circus Maximus are now parks, hosting concerts, not races, although it would be great to see some horse racing events there. 

Capannelle’s it—modern, functional, and just far enough from the chaos of Termini station.

How Does Rome Compare to Other Cities?

Rome’s racing isn’t world-famous—Milan’s San Siro outshines it with the Gran Premio di Milano, and Italy’s scene trails France or the UK, where purses hit €5 million for top races. 

Capannelle’s €800,000 Derby Italiano pales next to that. But it’s got charm—cheap entry, a 1920s aesthetic, and a crowd that’s more laid-back than rabid. Socially, it’s a mixed bag: tourism’s up 10% in 2024 (ICT), partly casino-driven, but horse racing’s a niche draw—maybe 5% of visitors, guesses a 2024 Visit Rome survey. For Romans, it’s a weekend escape, not a cultural cornerstone like calcio (soccer).

So, if you want some horse racing action, we suggest you visit Ippodromo delle Capannelle, you’d have a blast.