Staff Palio

The Captain, together with the Priore, is one of the most important figures in the Contrada. His role is centered on performance of the Contrada in the Palio, for which he is the main architect, and he is responsible for trying to ensure that the Drago wins. Indeed, given the utmost importance and sensitivity of this assignment, the Captain operates in total autonomy striving to achieve victory in the Palio. In this regard, he personally appoints a Palio Team every year, which he manages during his tenure.

The Captain's closest collaborators are the "Mangini" or "Lieutenants," who assist and act on his behalf, their number could vary based on the Captain's needs at the time he takes the office.

Currently Jacopo Gotti is the Captain, and his Mangini are Federico Melai, Francesco Mugnaini, Giovanni De Luca, Nicolò Meniconi.

The Captain has the authority to appoint the Barbaresco and his deputies, who are responsible for the well-being of the horse during the four days of each Palio.

They even sleep with the horse and watch over it 24 hours a day to constantly ensure its well-being. The Stable Staff is completed with the appointment of veterinarians and farriers, who may often be external to the Contrada. The decision to employ experts in the equestrian field, often of national and international renown, stems from the Contrade's desire to constantly protect the horse's health in the interest of the Palio itself.

Today the Barbaresco is Tommaso Giuntini, and his deputy is Riccardo Vegni, while the assistants are Tommaso Paccagnini and Sebastiano Gamma.

Completing the Palio staff of the Drago are some other important figures, the so-called Guardia-Fantino. They are the "guardian angels" who must ensure the tranquility and physical (and moral) well being of the chosen jockey.

The Guardia-Fantino are Giovanni De Luca, Gianluca Cetoloni, Niccolò Bacarelli, Vittorio Tognazzi.