Each summer, the ancient hill town of Siena, Italy, transforms into the battleground for one of the most thrilling and perilous horse races in the world—the Palio. This fierce competition, often described as more of a battle than a race, is steeped in tradition, where Fate is the Queen of the Palio. In this captivating tale, Marguerite Henry brings to life the true story of Giorgio Terni, a boy from the Maremma marshes, whose destiny intertwines with that of Gaudenzia, a stunning half-Arabian mare destined for glory. When Gaudenzia suffers an injury in one of the chaotic races, it is Giorgio’s unwavering dedication that helps her heal. Their journey leads them to the ecstasy of victory in one Palio and the heartbreak of fierce competition in the next. Discover how Giorgio earns the title of Vittorino and how Gaudenzia rises to become the Pride of the Palio, in a narrative that will capture the hearts of readers everywhere.