Il Palio horse race takes place in streets of Siena - in pictures

Riders line up for the start of the race at Piazza del Campo in Siena Photograph: Maurizio Degl'innocenti/EPA

Hugging the barriers, the riders speed around the track Photograph: Fabio Muzzi/AFP/Getty Images

The San Martino curve proves too much for some of the riders as their horses crash into the barrier Photograph: Fabio Muzzi/AFP/Getty Images

Spectators fill the central square to watch the famous horse race Photograph: Fabio Muzzi/AFP/Getty Images

The city is split into 17 districts known as contradas, each with their own distinctive colours and associated symbols Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Loose horses continue running after unseating their riders Photograph: Paolo Lazzeroni/AP

Jonathan Bartoletti, second from right, leads the race on his way to victory Photograph: Paolo Lazzeroni/AP

Riders fall as their horses crash into the barriers Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Jonathan Bartoletti crosses the finishing line to win Photograph: Paolo Lazzeroni/AP

Victorious jockey Jonathan Bartoletti of the contrada of the ram is cheered by his supporters after he won Photograph: Fabio Muzzi/AFP/Getty Images