Donato Mancini

"Donato Mancini is Cesare's finest horseman, perhaps better than Cesare himself."

- Fiora Cavazza regarding Donato.

Donato Mancini (1473 - 1503) was a member of the Templar Order active during the Renaissance in Rome. While under the direct employ of Cesare Borgia, he was often described as a confident and capable horseman.

His genetic memories were later used by the Templar-owned company Abstergo Industries, for the training of their Animus recruits, under the title of the Captain.

Rigged Race
"The beating is savage! Humiliating! The crowd laughs. I do not. Donato truly was the champion today."

- Fiora, on the race's outcome.

In 1503, during a private horse race held by the Borgia, Fiora Cavazza was sent to Donato to either bribe or threaten him into allowing Cesare to win.

She presented Donato with a fine set of armor, which he eagerly tried on. However, as she relayed Cesare's threat, the Captain only remarked that he was not surprised, and that "the winner will win the race. There are no other factors."

Donato rode fairly and well in the competition, despite the interference of one of Cesare's officers, Teodor Viscardi, who charged him in the middle of the race and attempted to attack him with a blade. Donato only dodged the thrust and spurred his horse forward to win, claiming his victory before a silent audience.

Upon her orders, Fiora then sent a group of mercenaries to beat Donato violently, much to the crowd's amusement, though she lamented that Donato had been the race's true winner.

Death
Later that same year, when a merchant named Rocco defeated Donato in a race, the arrogant Captain responded angrily by destroying the merchant's stand and threatening his life.

Ezio Auditore came across the merchant shortly after this, and decided to aid him. Seeking out Donato in the ruins of the Circo Massimo, Ezio discovered him practicing his horsemanship along with his other soldiers. The Assassin proceeded to kill only Donato, sparing the lives of his guards.