History

The Internazionali di Sicilia take shape at La Favorita: Palermo becomes a meeting point for sport, nature and international society.

Enrico Belledonne and Domenico Bignardelli create the Grand Prix for the best combinations of the Internazionali. The first winner is Britain’s David Broome.

Colonel Raimondo D’Inzeo, a defining figure of Italian equestrian sport, puts an Italian name on the Coppa’s roll of honour for the first time.

Brazil’s Nelson Pessoa wins the Coppa in 1979 and again in 1988: two victories nine years apart.

Switzerland’s Heidi Robbiani becomes the first woman to win the Coppa degli Assi.

The Belgian rider wins in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1991. With four titles he is the competition’s most successful athlete.

The 19th Coppa is held as part of the 40th international show: 68 riders, 10 nations, total prize money of 250 million lire and victory for France’s Michel Robert on Auleto. It is one of the best documented editions in the archives of the time.

Natale Chiaudani wins two consecutive editions, bringing Italy firmly back to the top of the event.

Switzerland’s Jane Richard becomes the second woman to win the Coppa.

Francesco Franco wins in 2009; Emanuele Gaudiano then takes back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

The trophy is contested as part of Fieracavalli and is won by Belgium’s Ignace Philips. An edition away from Sicily that keeps the Coppa’s sporting continuity alive.

The event is reborn at the Tenuta di Ambelia, with victory for Ernesto Vacirca.

Francesco Franco wins again twelve years after his 2009 title; in 2022 Francesco Correddu takes the honours.

After the Ambelia years, the Coppa returns to its historic home in Palermo. Lorenzo Correddu wins, a year after his brother Francesco: a memorable family double.

The Internazionali di Sicilia reach their sixtieth edition; the 39th Coppa is won by Gianluca Quondam Gregorio. Around 5,000 spectators attend the closing day.

The competition celebrates its fortieth chapter as part of the 61st Internazionali. Aurora Guaragno on Contento 23 wins with a double clear round and becomes the third woman on the reconstructed roll of honour.

From 25 to 27 September and from 2 to 4 October we look forward to seeing you at the La Favorita showground in Palermo, to go on writing the story of the Coppa degli Assi together.