"The course is very narrow, is it not, Giorgio?"
"Si."
"When all seventeen raced, how was the departure from the starting rope?"
"Monsignore! How could they all get away at once?"
"They couldn't! Some fell and were trampled. So now the contradas draw lots for the honor of competing, and only ten horses run. Is not that better for the horse?"
"Oh, si."
"And the people do not wager any money on the race. That is good, no?"
Giorgio nodded, wishing the Monsignore would get to the core.
"And now mattresses are placed upright about the dangerous curves to protect horses and fantinos both. Is that not better than in days of old when heads of man and beast cracked against the walls?"
"Si!"