The future of Rome’s Capannelle Racecourse is under threat. Since the departure of management company Hippogroup, the City of Rome has struggled to find a reliable operator to take over, leaving racing suspended since December 2025.
A temporary management contract was awarded to Marsicana in late December, but the company withdrew in February 2026, leaving the racecourse in operational uncertainty.
The city now anticipates reopening the facility by September, but only half of the racing calendar, including several international events, can be guaranteed.
Deputy Antonio Battilocchio has recently formally questioned the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests on plans to safeguard the racecourse and prevent the collapse of Rome’s horseracing scene.
He emphasised severe neglect under previous management. Equipment necessary for races has been removed, maintenance is nearly nonexistent and critical infrastructure requires urgent repair.
Battilocchio stated: “Many operators are considering abandoning activities on site and relocating their facilities and expertise outside Italy. This eventuality would be irreversible, effectively ending horseracing in Rome and nullifying any medium-term prospects.”
He added: “All of this occurs against a backdrop of significant growth in horserace betting. Data from February 2026 show an increase of 19.83% compared to the same month in 2025.
“This is an important result, especially considering the programming difficulties due to the uncertain situation of some Italian racecourses. Despite reduced facilities, the sector’s activity has not slowed down.”
The National Gallop Association has emphasised Capannelle’s vital role in maintaining national and international racing standards and warns that even temporary closure could have serious consequences.
The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has drafted a regulatory proposal to reorganise the land-based gaming sector, its technical details are still under review
