UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has signed a joint agreement with AD Zobnatica and Air Serbia to sponsor a prestigious horse racing event, Prince Paul’s Cup – Zobnatica 2015 in the Balkan nation.

The Prince Paul’s Cup, which will take place for the first time at the Zobnatica Hippodrome on September 13, will revive the horse racing sport in Zobnatica after nearly a decade.

Zobnatica is located 150 kilometres from Belgrade, from where Etihad Airways and Air Serbia together offer double daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

It is home to a renowned horse stable, which has a long and distinguished tradition of organising equestrian events for over 30 years. During that period, horse racing events enjoyed great popularity and international recognition, attracting thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe.

This year’s eight-race programme is being held in cooperation with the Belgrade Jockey Club, bringing history, tradition and expertise to the event, said a statement from Etihad.

The horse race day will be opened by Princess Elizabeth Karađorđević, member of the Serbian Royal Family, and will include gallop and trotter races featuring top horses and renowned jockeys from the Eastern European region.

Under the deal, both airlines have secured naming rights to two signature flat gallop races, which will be named as ‘Etihad Milja’ and ‘Air Serbia-Jadran II’ respectively.

Peter Baumgartner, the chief commercial officer, said: "We are pleased to announce Etihad Airways’ first sports sponsorship in the region and one that underscores our deep commitment to the Serbian market and reflects the already strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Serbia."
 
"Importantly, this is about rejuvenating horse racing in Serbia, which will enable us to come closer to our customers in the country. We are confident that the Prince Paul’s Cup will reach new heights and grow into one of the region’s premier race meetings," he added.
 
Dane Kondić, the CEO of Air Serbia, said: "By helping revive this excellent tradition, we are not only supporting equestrian sport in Serbia, but more importantly, an initiative that will ultimately benefit the community by contributing to tourism and the wider local economy."

Welcoming the deal, Saeed Al Suwaidi, the executive director of Zobnatica, said: "We are excited about this partnership and are appreciative of the support provided by Air Serbia, Etihad and Etihad Airways Partners to the horse racing sport.

"We will use this opportunity to rebuild this esteemed event and the surrounding area of Zobnatica," he added.-TradeArabia News Service