Italian Derby

A group of Italians who call South Florida home banded together last year to form Miami IP Stable, a racing stable of American-bought horses to race in Italy. The partners' initial investment worked out so well, they plan on restocking at the upcoming yearlings sale and this time they hope to make use of evolving technology to increase their buying power. Paolo Romanelli, whose roots in Italian racing run deep, spearheaded the partnership. "I have this passion for horse racing because of my family tradition," Romanelli said of the origins...

Racing in Italy is set to resume on Monday, with purse levels maintained and with Classic action kicking off with the Italian Guineas', the G3 Premio Regina Elena and the G3 Premio Parioli, on June 14. The G2 Italian Oaks will be staged on July 5, and the G2 Italian Derby on July 12. Pivotal in securing the resumption of racing were jockey agent Stefano Pugliese, who led a demonstration that drew around 70 trainers, jockeys, grooms and owners in front of the Milan Prefecture; and Giuseppe L'Abbate and Teresa...