Iffezheim, Germany / Saint-Imier, Switzerland, 27 June 2011 – Longines, a Swiss brand with a long tradition in watchmaking, is the new title sponsor of the Grosser Preis von Baden, Germany’s most prestigious and internationally renowned flat race. As part of the multi-year agreement, Longines will also act as the official timekeeper at the Iffezheim/Baden-Baden racecourse.

«Longines supports equestrian sports because they combine tradition, elegance and high-level performance», explains Walter von Känel, President of Longines. «They demand concentration, precision and experience, precisely those values that underpin our brand’s philosophy».

As well as being the highlight of the «Grand Week» (27 August- 4th September), the Longines Grosser Preis von Baden is the centrepiece of the racing season at the Iffezheim track. This Group 1 competition, which is highly regarded both in Germany and abroad, is run over 2,400 metres and has prize money totalling 250,000 Euros. It is only one of seven races in this category to be held in Germany.

«This represents a major milestone in Baden Racing’s history. We are proud to have a partner whose name is associated with other celebrated racecourses like Ascot, Chantilly and Melbourne», confirms Dr. Andreas Jacobs, President of Baden Racing. «Our new partnership is further proof that Iffezheim race course is up there with the best. The Longines brand is the perfect sponsor for our major events.»

Longines DolceVita, the watch of the Grosser Preis von Baden
The Swiss watchmaker has chosen the Grosser Preis von Baden to unveil the latest additions to the Longines DolceVita collection. The harmonious rectangular case, combined with an elegant blend of steel and gold, make these unique timepieces instantly recognisable.

About Longines
Longines’ passionate commitment to equestrian sports has continued for nearly 90 years. It is the official partner of almost all CSIO events in the Nations Cup, as well as a number of stages in the Arab League, not to mention an array of other renowned flat races. The brand, which is based in Saint-Imier (Switzerland), is also the official timekeeper of Royal Ascot, the Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly, the Longines Mackinnon Stakes at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Longines Singapore Gold Cup, the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai World Cup.

Based in the Bernese Jura since 1832, Longines boasts a watchmaking heritage that has continued uninterrupted over 175 years. The brand also has longstanding links with the wider sporting world through its activities as official timekeeper at many world championship events and as a partner of various sports’ federations. With its winged hourglass logo, Longines is renowned for the elegance of its timepieces. Part of the Swatch Group, the world’s leading watchmaker, the brand is present in over 130 countries.  

About Baden Racing
Baden Racing took over the Iffezheim race course in 2010 and has gone on to become the largest organiser of flat course racing in Germany, with three meetings and 14 days of racing. Baden Racing is a joint venture between the international sports marketing agency, Infront Sports & Media AG (Zug, Suisse), DSV Deutscher Sportverlag HmbH (Cologne), Stars and Friends GmbH (Bad Harzburg) and weiss media GmbH (Meerbusch).

For more information, please contact:

Peter Mühlfeit
Press Officer
Baden Racing                                                                    
Tel. +49 1761 7229 315                                                                       
presse baden-racing.com
www.baden-racing.com                                                              

Longines Public Relations
2610 St. Imier
Switzerland
Tel. +41 32 942 52 48
fax +41 32 942 52 39
publicrelations longines.com
www.longines.com

Jörg Polzer / Nike Möhle
Corporate Communications
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com