<Horses came into my life thanks to my father-in-law and I am convinced they will never leave>.
Roberta Giarrusso, a former model and Sicilian actress with a disarming smile and beauty, tells us how she approached the world of horses and how she became testimonial of the Palio delle Regioni, an itinerant event that was confirmed for 2025 by Dr. Remo Chiodi at the last meeting on communication and promotion of events at Italian racetracks.
Roberta, from the final at Miss Italia to the clapperboard of numerous successful TV dramas.
Yes, it all started in 2001 when a friend, unbeknownst to me, entered me in the Miss Italia contest where I made it to the final and from that moment on I haven’t stopped: Carabinieri, Commissario Manara and many other TV series. My career as an actress, my dream since I was a child, took off thanks to my manager Fernando Capecchi, an old-fashioned show business agent and important talent scout who unfortunately passed away recently. Now the approach to work has totally changed compared to 25 years ago.
Communication and visibility are expressing themselves more quickly?
Social media has arrived. You go as fast as the wind, like when horses gallop.
Speaking of these animals, of extraordinary charm and beauty, how did they come into your life?
My father-in-law is a veteran of this environment, as a galloping horse owner. It was he who took me to see the races, to experience the atmosphere of the Capannelle racecourse and I fell madly in love with it. The same feeling that my little girl Giulia has discovered. I admire them and have great respect for them. Horses have entered my family in an overbearing way.
What do they provoke in you when you see them ride?
They are strong and fragile, like us women. If they are not treated well they suffer emotionally. On the contrary, they are capable of feeling gratitude towards the man who loves them.
And when did you start acting as testimonial for the Palio delle Regioni?
They called me and I gladly said yes. My baptism took place at the Capannelle Hippodrome on the occasion of the Derby. I saw families arriving, lots of children taking part in exciting attractions, and then I found the promotion of the beauty of the area and its traditions very interesting, in addition to the day of racing. I am discovering, through the various stages around Italy, the richness of our culture and the excellence of our country. And the horses transport me on a poetic journey. A unique and unrepeatable experience.
Will it be possible to make horses magical again?
With these initiatives I think so. There’s the adrenalin rush of the race, I’m a sportswoman and so I’m fascinated by the athletic gesture and the gamble. The encounter with nature and the beauty of thoroughbreds and in the case of trotters. In addition to the sight, the palate is also satisfied with high quality food stands, and since I am a good eater, I enjoy sampling all the local delicacies. It can become a new meeting point open and enjoyable for all.
Do you think it is a macho environment?
But no. Things are changing. It is the mentality that is changing. I see women who do not feel uncomfortable at all. They also have the opportunity to dress up and flaunt dress codes that are difficult to display in other places. Sharing is the winning aspect of these initiatives.
Can we overturn all the beliefs that have been told in recent years of an environment, that of horse racing, made up of untrustworthy people?
As a good Sicilian, the important values are family, my husband, my daughter, and everything that gravitates around me, made up of love, respect and friendship: I would like them to be rediscovered within an environment where these sentiments are enhanced by a true and healthy passion that horses can arouse.
