45th traditional Prstenac Race in Barban, Istria won by Antonio Osip

45th Prstenac Race winner Antonio Osip

BARBAN, Aug 24 – The 45th edition of the traditional three-day Prstenac tournament has ended in the Istrian town of Barban on Sunday with the Prstenac Race (Race of the Ring). 

16 horsemen participated in the traditional jousting event with Antonio Osip, riding Quarz, declared the winner with 7 points. 

First mentioned in 1696 and revived by the town of Barban in 1976, the Prstenac Race is held every year on the third weekend in August. The race features horsemen dressed in Istrian folk costumes, and they must cross a 150 metre track on horseback in 12 seconds and hit the “prstenac” iron ring with a spear.

In the first run, Osip scored 1 point, then earned 3 points each time by hit the centre in the last two runs. Osip was supported by spearman Jure Paus.

On Saturday, the Race of the Vitica was held for the 25th time ahead of Sunday’s final Prstenac race. 

Victory in this year’s race went to Milio Grabrović with a total of 6 points. In the first race, he hit 1 point, in the second race 2 points, and in the third race, he hit on the middle to collect 3 points.

Milio Grabrović

A total of 6 points was enough for victory and the title. Grabrović was riding the horse Ulik, owned by Ivan Terlević, with the important support of the spearman Aldo Paus. 

This tournament has become a must-see cultural event, attracting several thousand visitors each summer. This year, it is being held in line with the COVID-19 epidemiological measures.