Crowd this afternoon at the funeral of jockey Angelo Godani, who died at the age of 64 after a short illness.

The funeral rite was celebrated in the monumental parish church of Decimoputzu, where several great names in island horse racing, simple citizens and friends of the champion gathered.

Also paying homage to Godani were the mayors of Decimoputzu Antonino Munzittu and Lanusei Davide Burchi, both wearing the tricolor sash, to pay homage to the doyen of Sardinian jockeys who competed until recently despite his age.

The words of the celebrant were touching: listening were the champion's wife, brothers, children and, as mentioned, many citizens of Decimoputzu, where the highly decorated champion lived.

In his career, Godani won the Sardinian Derby six times, the number one race on the island. «The town of Decimoputzu», said the mayor Antonino Munzittu, «is close to the family. An esteemed person, a true champion."

«A man of great charisma. Angioletto was tireless, always present, with a great desire to win", added Roberto Loi, his old friend, present at the funeral.

Angioletto Godani was born in Lanusei in 1960: he got to know the world of horses since he was a boy, making his debut in Chilivani when he was 17 years old. Among his successes is the Poncia prize in Milan. He participated in enormously prestigious races even with great jockeys such as Frankie Dettori. Sardinia has lost a great champion, capable of writing the history of horse racing on the island.

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