Press Release | Showjumping – For four days, spectators were immersed in the excitement of the Longines Masters of Paris, one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. It was the not-to-miss sporting and glamorous event of the season: equestrian competition, shows, live concerts, artists exhibitions, gourmet meals and numerous French and international celebrities. Rich in emotion, the Longines Masters of Paris concluded in glory this afternoon with the crowning event, the second step in the Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping, the Longines Grand Prix.
The Longines Masters of Paris “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping,” the European stage of the Longines Masters series, closed its doors this evening after four days of wonder, great sport and lifestyle with the best riders in the world as well as amateurs (171 riders from 25 countries).
The best of sport and emotion ruled this last day of the Longines Masters of Paris featuring the three Grand Prix events: the SFAM Société Française d’Assurance Grand Prix won by the young Yasmina Bocti, the Land Rover Grand Prix won by Frenchman Guillaume Foutrier and finally the flagship event of the four days, the Longines Grand Prix, the reigning event of the “Grand Slam Indoor”.
The challenge of this Olympic level event is to win consecutively the Longines Grand Prix of Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong in the same season, an intercontinental feat that allows riders to win a record bonus of 2.25 million Euros. The German Daniel Deusser, candidate for this bonus after his brilliant victory in Los Angeles, did not repeat this feat even though it was within his reach. In the jump off the German was soon surpassed, earning third behind Grégory Wathelet in first place and Bertram Allen in second. The Belgian winner was obviously happy with his performance: “We all dream of such a victory without faults. I like going fast and my horse was fantastic. Moreover, here in Paris, the public is exceptional and is behind everyone: this makes us want to win even more!”
Juan Carlos Capelli, Vice President and International Marketing Director of Longines, was eagerly waiting to present the coveted trophy to the winner of the Longines Grand Prix and an elegant Longines watch from its Saint Imier collection. He commented, “This Longines Grand Prix was incredible. We can call it a Belgian year since three of the eight finalists were from Belgium! In an incredible setting, Paris has given a lot of emotions and remains a not to miss event on the international calendar. What’s going to happen in Hong Kong? ”
Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM and founder of the Longines Masters concluded: “These four days have been extraordinary. After the success of Los Angeles, we are proud of the success of this European stage in Paris, always very special for me and my team and with great pride to have Longines as our partner by our side. We have welcomed the best international riders to what has become one of the most prestigious competitions in the world and, as Roger-Yves Bost said at the launch press conference, ‘Measured by the riders’ impatience to come and compete in Paris.’ Thanks to all the riders, partners, exhibitors, artists and above all to the Parisian public, so magnificent that they should be on the winner’s podium. The atmosphere was exceptional and unique! I welcome you in the next two months to join the Asian stage in Hong Kong February 10 to 12, 2017. We Ride The World!”
Throughout the event, the Prestige Village has offered an ultimate shopping experience, featuring luxury, lifestyle and international equestrian brands around the paddock. Longines, Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the event, presented the Official Watch of the Longines Masters of Paris in its boutique. This timepiece is a new model from The Longines Equestrian Collection, a line that echoes Longines’ passion for equestrian sports. This timepiece is inspired by the lines of a rectangular loop found on the bridle of presentation of the unique Swiss equine race, Franches-Montagnes.
Spectacular evening entertainment has delighted spectators, extending the experience well into the night!
Now this prestigious series starts its next journey to Hong Kong February 10 to 12, 2017 for the Asian edition in season two of the Longines Masters.
Here you can find the best pictures.
Source: Press Release