With Martin Ballestreros horses, track and…
Legnano – “If Martin could still run in the Palio he would win even now! The shortened move? Leave the time he finds, it’s all in the skill of the mover”. He’s still confident Martin Ruben Ballestreros, born in 1966, Argentinian by birth but from Asti by adoption, long-time jockey with 3 Palios won in Legnano in 1994, ’98 and ’99 and still with determination to spare. A few days from Palio di Legnano 2024, when jockeys and horses are ready to taste the Mari soil and to put on a show, we meet this “local” jockey who always knows how to reserve some particular gem.
What role does Legnano play in provincial races?
“Legnano’s role must be divided into many parts, certainly the technical and the economic one. There is no doubt about the economic one: we are immediately after Siena; on that technique Asti and Legnano are the most important Palios, where jockeys like to do well. For many years, when the Mari circuit was still made of grass, Legnano was considered a difficult track. Today there is sand and it is easier, but…be careful: it is also easier to make mistakes.”
Who is the best jockey?
“The best jockey is the one who does things well, perfect”.
And the best horse?
“The one who follows you and gives you confidence.
Like last year, this year too, there is no favorite Contrada, but…
“As we saw last year, all you need is an experienced jockey… If I have to bet on someone, I would bet on him again.” That “he” is Antonio Siri jockey who won the Palio in 2023 for the Contrada di Legnarello. He won’t say too much about who will be the winner of this edition, but some considerations can be made, also in light of the tests that in recent months have put in black and white the characteristics of horses and jockeys at the hemp on the last Sunday of May.
“The horses available to the Contrada Legnarello are considered the best in the market”. But are Walter’s horses also there? (Walter Pusceddu ed.). “Yes, but he isn’t there: Genarmoly. It was he who made the difference and not the jockeys who rode him.”
Continue to follow us on our social networks, click here!
Editorial board
The editorial staff of Sempione News is made up of valid and trained collaborators whose sole objective is to provide valid information in real time to their readers.
){kind=link}