The Americans are still on top in the Italy vs. NAADA Challenge by virtue of a win on Thursday (July 4) from Alan Schwartz and a second-place finish from John Calabrese. Then, a second-place effort from Paul Minore and a fifth-place finish from Joe Faraldoin the second contest kept the Americans on top. The Italians 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 for Team USA and 80 for Italy. The Italian 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.

On Friday, 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.