Etihad Airways, Air Serbia to revive horse racing legacy

Etihad Airways has announced the signing of a joint agreement with AD Zobnatica and Air Serbia to sponsor a horse racing event, Prince Paul’s Cup — Zobnatica 2015, which will take place for the first time at the Zobnatica Hippodrome on Sept. 13.
The Prince Paul’s Cup — Zobnatica 2015 will revive the horse racing sport in Zobnatica after nearly a decade. This year’s eight-race program is being held in cooperation with the Belgrade Jockey Club, bringing history, tradition and expertise to the event.
The horse race day will be opened by Princess Elizabeth Karadordevic, 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.
Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner 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.”
Dane Kondic, CEO, 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.”
Saeed Al-Suwaidi, executive director of Zobnatica, said: “We are excited about this partnership and are appreciative of the support provided by Air Serbia, Etihad Airways 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, which is located 150 km from Belgrade.