The Americans are still on top in the Italy vs NAADA Challenge by virtue of a Thursday victory by Alan Schwartz and a second by John Calabrese. Then a second place by Paul Minore in the second contest and a fifth by Joe Faraldo keeps the Americans on top. The Italians effort fell short in spite of their win, but they did close the gap.
After a recount of the points and two disqualifications, one on each side the points stand at 87 USA and 80 Italy. Our hosts and the beautiful track Hippodromo Snai Sesana could not have arranged things better. The surface of the racetrack is somewhere between the best of Pocono and Delaware Ohio. You cannot hear a horse going over this surface. Tomorrow they will open the Castello first Medici just for us. This is the home of Catherine di Medici of Firenze in Italia. Mr. Daniele Orsini arranged everything and Alan won with his horse Viola Orsini.
Mr. Orsini also handed over an envelope that is not to be opened until team USA arrives home. It is either an invitation to return, a request to visit or a warning not to return again.
(NAADA)