The Italian harness racing scene is bracing itself for one of its most iconic classics: the Gran Premio delle Nazioni, scheduled for October 4 at the Milan track. Trainer and driver Alessandro Gocciadoro has confirmed that his star mare, Diva Ek, will be the spearhead of his stable in this Group 1 event.
The mare, who impressed last week with a second-place finish in the MGM Yonkers International Trot, has since returned to Italy to prepare for the clash against the European elite. For Gocciadoro, the Nazioni is a crucial goal, as he always aims for the top of the podium with his pupils in the most important Italian races.
Throughout her career, Diva Ek has repeatedly proven she possesses a devastating closing kick—a weapon that is essential on the long home stretch at Milan. Preparations are going according to plan, and the mare is showing excellent form in training, establishing her as one of the favorites for victory in this prestigious showdown.
The Gran Premio delle Nazioni traditionally attracts the best horses on the continent, and the entry of Diva Ek underscores the team's ambition to keep the trophy on home soil. With a purse that justifies its Group 1 status, the race will be a true test of speed and stamina for all participants.
Gocciadoro, who triumphed in the 2023 International Trot with Vivid Wise As, knows better than anyone how to prepare his horses for such major events. The trotting world is eagerly anticipating the confrontation in Milan, where the tactical decisions of the drivers in the closing stages often determine the difference between winning and losing.
