Ferrari driver Fabio Barone chases down a horse-drawn chariot in Castel Romano, Italy.
Ferrari driver Fabio Barone chases down a horse-drawn chariot in Castel Romano, Italy.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
In a race that pitted ancient Rome against a modern motor, the horses were little match for the Ferrari.
In a race that pitted ancient Rome against a modern motor, the horses were little match for the Ferrari.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Although conditions favored the steeds, Barone quickly caught up with the chariot...
Although conditions favored the steeds, Barone quickly caught up with the chariot...
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
... and sped past, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.
... and sped past, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The race took place on the track used in the 2016 "Ben-Hur" film.
The race took place on the track used in the 2016 "Ben-Hur" film.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The film recreates the chariot races typically staged in Ancient Rome.
The film recreates the chariot races typically staged in Ancient Rome.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Ferrari races a horse-drawn chariot at "Ben Hur" track in Italy

Story highlights

Ferrari races horse-drawn chariot

Car wins by several seconds

Staged at "Ben-Hur" film set in Italy

CNN  — 

It was the ultimate battle of horsepower, a sporting contest like you’ve never seen before.

Billed as a clash of ancient against modern, a Ferrari raced against a two-horse chariot in Castel Romana, Italy and, unsurprisingly, it was the car that motored to victory.

In a contemporary twist on the ancient chariot races, Ferrari driver Fabio Barone gave the horses a half-lap headstart. He was also driving in a wider lane without the aid of traction-control.

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ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Kieren Fox riding Berrahri competes during the Grosser Preis von St. Moritz Flat Race of the White Turf St Moritz on February 21, 2016 in St Moritz, Switzerland. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images)
ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Kieren Fox riding Berrahri competes during the Grosser Preis von St. Moritz Flat Race of the White Turf St Moritz on February 21, 2016 in St Moritz, Switzerland. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images
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Related video White Turf: St. Moritz's horse race on snow

But despite these handicaps, Barone’s Ferrari 458 still surged to victory, kicking up clouds of dust as it passed the galloping horses.

“A Ferrari launched in a straight line on sand is a bit like launching a car on a greasy piste,” Barone told AFP.

“When you get to the bend it’s very difficult to turn. The main problem was keeping my car straight. From the first lap I no longer had any brakes.”

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The race was staged on the track used in the 2016 Hollywood film “Ben-Hur” – a remake of the highly-acclaimed 1959 film – at Cinecitta Studios, just outside Rome.