Did You Know
Champions of Wine and Thoroughbreds
When the Tenuta San Guido property entered the Incisa della Rocchetta family holdings in 1930 upon Mario Incisa’s marriage to Marchesa Clarice della Gherardesca, it would not only offer him the possibility of winegrowing. The property would also provide a new environment for the Marchese’s extremely successful career in breeding thoroughbred racehorses.
The Olgiata Stud Farm
Olgiata was a 1977 acres property outside Rome owned by Mario Incisa’s mother, which he took over and developed after he married. In partnership with Federico Tesio, a famous horse breeder, and his wife, Mario built Olgiata into a thoroughbred stud farm (known as Razza Dormello-Olgiata) that would become renowned for the Dormello-Olgiata breed and the most famous racehorse in Italy’s history: Ribot.
The Stallion Ribot
Ribot was an undefeated thoroughbred stallion considered by many in the racing world to have been the finest European racehorse of his time. He was bred by Federico Tesio, who had bred six previous horses in Ribot’s bloodline. In his three seasons of racing, Ribot won all 16 of his races. He was then retired as a highly desirable stud stallion.
The Move to Bolgheri
In the late 1950s, Olgiata succumbed to the rampant development that was happening around Rome. Nicolò Incisa successfully transformed the property into one of Europe’s finest golf courses and luxury communities, and the stud farm moved permanently to Bolgheri, where Mario Incisa had built grass and sand practice tracks and a new stable. Today, the breeding and training facility remains near Tenuta San Guido and attracts racing fans from around the world.
