Capannelle Hippodrome: City Hall and Former Manager at Odds Over Future
Rome, February 13 – A dispute has erupted between Rome City Hall and Marsicana, the company that had initially won the tender to manage the Capannelle Hippodrome for a year. The controversy centers on the non-signing of the management contract, casting a shadow over the future of horse racing in the capital, including the prestigious Derby Gallop.
The City of Rome, however, has declared its readiness to ensure the continuity of activities at the Hippodrome by 2026. The Operational Unit for the management and development of sports facilities within the Department of Sports of the Major Events Department has informed the Ministry of Agriculture that “Rome Capital is available, if necessary, to guarantee the continuity of activities within the Hippodrome, through its wholly-owned in-house company, Zetema Progetto Cultura.” The statement further clarified that “in addition to the ordinary management of the complex and the training center, it is believed that, even with direct management, it is possible to guarantee the organization of trotting and galloping races, proceeding with all activities aimed at restoring the functionality of the facility.” An allocation of one million euros has already been made for “supplies and works for the Capannelle Hippodrome.”
Marsicana’s Rebuttal: Lack of Essential Documentation
The company Marsicana, which was awarded the one-year management tender but did not sign the contract, has strongly denied allegations of refusal. “No refusal to sign, but a failure to deliver essential documents by Rome Capital,” explained a representative from the renouncing manager. They further elaborated, “From the official documentation, a different reality emerges. Marsicana formally expressed its willingness to sign the contract, subordinating it to the delivery of indispensable documentation to ensure legitimate, safe, and compliant management with current regulations: certifications of structural usability; documentation relating to insurance, accident prevention, and fire prevention aspects; necessary attestations to assume responsibility for the custody and management of the facility; and a complete verification of the state of the premises, not fully accessible during the inspection.” The company reiterated its availability for any institutional discussion to definitively clarify the facts.
City Hall’s Legal Actions and Previous Disputes
Despite Marsicana’s explanation, Rome City Hall has announced legal action against the company. This comes amidst an ongoing lawsuit with the previous manager, HippoGroup, for whom unpaid rents estimated at 26 million euros are being claimed. Alessandro Onorato, the Councilor for Sport, had previously described the new manager’s behavior as “anomalous,” leading to the revocation of the tender award.
Meeting with Unions and Workers, Hygiene Concerns Raised
A meeting was held at Capannelle yesterday between City Hall, trade unions, and workers to address the issue, which also impacts employment. Concurrently, Federico Rocca (FdI), president of the Transparency Commission of the Capitoline Assembly, requested an urgent hygiene-sanitary inspection by ASL Roma 2 at Capannelle. This request was prompted by concerns about “an accumulation of manure with consequent possible risks to public health.” Rocca questioned, “Is it possible that no one in City Hall has ever worried about the problems of the Hippodrome? Who carried out checks on the facility and how was it put out to tender in these conditions?”
Future Outlook: A Glimmer of Hope for 2026
While the immediate future of the Capannelle Hippodrome remains embroiled in legal and bureaucratic complexities, the City of Rome’s commitment to bringing back races by 2026 offers a hypothetical glimmer of hope for the historic venue and the horse racing community. The upcoming legal proceedings and further discussions between the involved parties will be crucial in determining the ultimate fate of the Capannelle Hippodrome.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_12/roma-il-caso-capannelle-la-replica-del-gestore-marsicana-nessun-rifiuto-il-comune-non-ha-fornito-i-documenti-sulla-sicurezza-8cb0155a-c008-4a8c-9252-a8e460e25xlk.shtml
