President Milanović in Barban: “Trka na prstenac” is a tournament celebrating tradition and skill
“I consider the ‘Trka na prstenac’ tournament (Tilting at the Ring) as a celebration of tradition, of the skills of these horsemen, but also as the relationship between man and this noble and most beautiful animal”, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović stated in Barban where he attended the 48th edition of the “Tilting at the Ring” chivalrous tournament and presented this year’s winner Daniel Broskvar with a shield that is handed down from winner to winner, and a replica of a dagger with inscription.
As patron of the “Tilting at the Ring” chivalrous tournament, President Milanović in his address referred to the respect that the horsemen who participate in the competition deserve, but also of the symbolism in the relationship between man and horse, this “noble, strong, persistent and lovely creature, which our people followed through history, and without which we would not be what we are”.
Attending this year’s edition of the “Tilting at the Ring” competition in addition to President Milanović in Barban were former President of the Republic Stjepan Mesić, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković, the Minister of Tourism and Sports and delegate of the Prime Minister Nikolina Brnjac, Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić, the Head of the Municipality of Barban Dalibor Paus, and the President of the “Trka na prstenac” Society Aldo Osip as well as numerous citizens gathered at the racetrack in Barban.
The “Tilting at the Ring” chivalrous competition is an equestrian event in which competitors have three attempts to charge at full gallop down a 150 metre-long track, and hit the “prstenac” iron ring with a spear. The competitor obtaining most points in three attempts is declared winner.
Alongside President Milanović were the Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković, and the Commissioner of the President for Sports Željko Jovanović.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas