"A dream, a success that came thanks to a 15-16 year relationship with the Contrada dell'Aquila, the most loyal. They waited for me." A Palio of enormous importance for Giovanni Atzeni, known as Tittia, the pride of Nurri and Sardinia. On Friday, the Sardinian jockey won once again, his twelfth, the Palio di Siena. Record after record, especially because this time the triumph was for Aquila, who hadn't crossed the finish line first since 1992. A full 34 years of waiting. Until he arrived.
"I felt the race inside me," he said immediately after his victory. "There could only be one result, and they believed in me. I've had four tough days; there was only one result to close the circle." And now he's closer to 15, the maximum number of wins for a jockey. "But I don't want to see other people's numbers," he replies. "I know where I want to get to, and I'll try until I stop."
His Sardinia
Words, however, aren't enough for the champion from Nurri to thank all the people who have supported him over the years, who believed in his abilities, his perseverance, and his commitment. And with him, Diodoro, a horse who is a guarantee. "He's at home," he added, "it's been a blessing to be able to ride him every day." With one certainty: "Infinite thanks" to the island, "a hug to all of Sardinia and to my hometown, which is undoubtedly celebrating. All this happened thanks to them."
Always in the lead
Astride his Anglo-Arab Giovanni Atzeni, he set off first and finished first, knowing there was a lot at stake and that all eyes were on him, while the crowd, his relatives, and the local contrada members who were counting on him held their breath. Until his victory, the latest in a career that no longer has any words to describe. "Diodoro is quick, a home horse, I trust him implicitly, even if he's a little mischievous sometimes. Having him available every day gives you peace of mind; it's a great advantage."
Happiness in Nurri
His arrival at the finish line was greeted in Nurri with a huge roar of joy. Immediately afterward, the streets filled with cars that drove up and down the town center, a fitting way to express their joy and pride for the jockey who carries the name of the town and Sardinia so proudly. "Let's just say that the Palio atmosphere is now in the air here," said Mayor Roberto Cancedda. "And even though Giovanni hasn't been here for a while, when he comes here he gives himself to the people: he's very helpful, he's still the humble boy he once was."
Thank you all
An example for many young people and also living proof that hard work, dedication, and perseverance always pay off. But Tittia is now trying to enjoy his success and continue to look ahead, but not before thanking his family, "Ilaria and Mattia, who put up with me every day," his parents, his in-laws, and his hometown. "I send a hug to everyone," he said, emotionally. "I know they're celebrating in Nurri, and I owe my success to them too."
And finally, a tribute to L'Aquila, the last contrada—so far—to be carried in triumph by Atzeni. "I've never won a Palio like this," he assures, "it's a dream. L'Aquila has been among the most loyal to me; over all these years we've maintained a relationship, they've never abandoned me, they've always believed in me. Perhaps this is the most important Palio of my career." Still a long way to go.
