Fireworks set off without permission by a traffic policeman during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s Republic Day parade startled dozens of horses, sending them bolting through the capital and injuring several riders, police said.
The unexpected bangs shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday caused panic among the ceremonial horses, some of which had riders while others were being led by hand.
Around 35 horses fled onto the busy Via Cristoforo
