Sicily Police Investigate Illegal Horse Race With Kalashnikovs 2026

An alarming video showing an illegal horse race in Sicily, with spectators firing pistols into the air and brandishing Kalashnikov rifles, has prompted a major police investigation. The clip, reportedly filmed last Friday, captures two jockeys driving horse-drawn carts at breakneck speed along country roads in the town of Palagonia, near Catania, in eastern Sicily. Behind them, dozens of people follow on scooters, firing shots into the air, creating a scene of chaos and danger.

The footage was posted on social media by animal rights activist Enrico Rizzi, who has been documenting such events. Police quickly responded, saying: “Following reports of an unauthorised horse race, accompanied by dozens of people filming the event and firing gunshots into the air, police carried out investigations in the San Cristoforo district of Catania, which led to two men aged 40 and 45 being reported to prosecutors.” Officers, alongside veterinarians from the regional health department, began intensive inspections of several stables to identify the horses used and place them in safety.

Seizures and Ongoing Investigations

According to the newspaper La Sicilia, the horses have been seized and the stables shut down. Several individuals were taken to the police station for questioning, and the investigation is continuing. This incident is not isolated—illegal horse racing remains widespread in Sicily, as well as in Calabria and Campania.

Past investigations have shown that such races are often organised by mafia families linked to Cosa Nostra, the Camorra, and the ’Ndrangheta. These events generate large sums of undeclared cash, with bets often reaching thousands of euros for a single race. Cities where the phenomenon is most entrenched include Catania, Messina, and Palermo, where repeated police raids have led to arrests and the seizure of illegal stables.

Animal Welfare and Mafia Control

The Italian animal welfare organisation LAV wrote in its annual report: “Illegal horse races, in addition to being a source of illicit profits linked to gambling, represent one of the most striking displays of criminal prestige and mafia control over the territory.” The report highlights how these events allow criminal groups to demonstrate dominance by occupying public roads and deploying men and vehicles.

The horses involved suffer severe abuse. According to LAV, they are subjected to whipping, kept in unsanitary conditions, and administered banned drugs. Many come from the regulated racing industry and are fraudulently reused in street races. In 2024 alone, seven illegal horse races were stopped, leading to 70 people being reported and the seizure of 29 horses and a pony.

Statistics on Illegal Racing

Between 1998 and 2024, a total of 4,324 people were reported, 1,430 horses seized, and 165 clandestine races disrupted. The horses are often given names inspired by notorious figures, ranging from mafia bosses such as Salvatore Riina and Bernardo Provenzano to the mob turncoat Carmine Schiavone and even Osama bin Laden. Neapolitan-style ballads (neomelodica music) celebrating these events further embed the culture of lawlessness.

Broader Context and Dangers

This dangerous mix of illegal gambling, animal cruelty, and organised crime poses significant risks to public safety. The use of firearms in crowded areas, as seen in the Palagonia video, could easily lead to tragic accidents. Italian authorities continue to crack down, but the deep-rooted nature of these races in southern Italy makes eradication challenging.

For context, similar illegal horse races have been documented in other parts of Europe and the Americas, often tied to rural traditions and criminal networks. However, the involvement of mafia-linked betting and weaponry makes Sicily’s situation particularly volatile.

FAQ Section

Why are Kalashnikov rifles used in these illegal horse races?

The brandishing of Kalashnikov rifles and other firearms is a display of power and intimidation, often linked to mafia groups like Cosa Nostra. It serves to assert territorial control and discourage interference from rivals or law enforcement.

What happens to the horses seized during these raids?

Seized horses are placed in the care of veterinary services and animal welfare organisations like LAV. They are often rehabilitated, though many suffer from long-term injuries and drug abuse. Some are rehomed, but the process is slow due to the large numbers involved.

How common are illegal horse races in Italy?

Illegal horse races are most common in southern regions like Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. Authorities report dozens of races each year, with hundreds of arrests and seizures. Despite crackdowns, the tradition persists due to deep ties to organised crime and local culture.