Press Release Longines Masters | Showjumping – The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2017 was officially launched today as the world’s most glamorous equestrian sporting event as it heads for its third and final leg at AsiaWorld-Expo from February 10-12, 2017.
The finale of the prestigious showjumping series completes its journey across continents spanning three of the world’s most iconic cities — Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong.
Now in its fifth edition, the Longines Masters of Hong Kong has become an integral part of the region’s social and cultural calendar, combining heart-pounding competition by the world’s top showjumping riders and horses with world-class entertainment, fashion, art and gastronomy.
Officially announcing the return of the Longines Masters to Hong Kong, Christophe Ameeuw, EEM CEO, founder, owner and organizer of the series, said: “With the Longines Masters, our ambition was to reinvent showjumping and to bring our sport into the international spotlight gathering under one roof the best of the sport, entertainment and glamour. The concept was inspired by the Grand Slam in tennis in creating three rendezvous in three iconic cities in America, Europe and Asia. We are delighted to return to Hong Kong to offer three fantastic days of show and entertainment and look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Asia.”
The Longines Masters of Hong Kong appeals to all, equestrian fans as well as families and enthusiasts with spectacular showjumping action, entertaining riding competitions among local
Hong Kong jockeys and artistic equestrian performances – along with a glamorous cocktail of attractions and lively DJ parties to complete a fantastic night out after the competitions end. In typical Hong Kong style, it’s also a place to ‘see and be seen’ and dress to impress.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “Through the Longines Masters of Hong Kong – the Asian leg of the Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping – we are giving Hong Kong people the chance to see one of the world’s leading show jumping competitions featuring top horses and riders, including from Hong Kong. This is why, as a ‘Founding Partner’, we have been involved from the very beginning, not only as a sponsor but giving practical support with horse transportation and veterinary care.”
The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation is co-partnering for the event, providing judges, stewards and volunteers, as well as stabling. Mr. Howard Green, Executive Committee member of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation said: “The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation is dedicated to advancing the sport of equestrianism in Hong Kong, so it is a great honour to once again participate in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, which is one of our annual eventing highlights.”
Spectacular showjumping competition
The Grand Slam, the incredible bonus promised to the winner of three consecutive Longines Grand Prix in Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, is sure to create a buzz all weekend long. The new hopeful contestant is Grégory Wathelet, winner of the Longines Grand Prix of Paris. If he succeeds in winning in Hong Kong in February and in Los Angeles in September 2017, he will win the Grand Slam Bonus of 1 million euros for three consecutive victories over two seasons. As for the new 2.25 million euros Grand Slam Super Bonus, it rewards three consecutive victories in the same season (Los Angeles – Paris – then Hong Kong), which means that the slates are wiped clean in Los Angeles.
As Title Partner, Longines is the Official Timekeeper and Official watch of the prestigious series.
As well as the Longines Grand Prix, the Iconic Swiss watchmaker is also the partner of the Longines Speed Challenge, the only speed competition of its kind in the world with an identical course, over all three legs, from Los Angeles and Paris to Hong Kong.
Among the top international riders competing this year is the 2016 Longines Speed Challenge winner, Bertram Allen. Following the Los Angeles leg, Allen went on to win the class in Hong Kong, beating his own record. The young Irish prodigy also caused a splash by winning the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy. Other contenders for the 2017 event include the Olympic medalists Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Ludger Beerbaum, Pénélope Leprévost and Roger-Yves Bost as well as Kevin Staut and Lorenzo De Luca.
Local interest will inevitably focus on Jacqueline Lai, Hong Kong’s first national champion rider who struck gold at the 2009 China National Showjumping Championships in Beijing, and who is once again Hong Kong’s representative rider at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong after her impressive debut last year. “It’s an honour to be back representing Hong Kong among the world’s top riders,” she said. Jacqueline is also a member of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equestrian Team.
With the event continuing to inspire public interest in equestrian sport and enhancing Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s ‘Equestrian Capital’, The Hong Kong Jockey Club remain committed exclusive founding partner.
On the opening night, the Club is hosting ever-popular ‘Race of the Riders’, which sees top jockeys pairing up with four top showjumpers in an entertaining team relay over the showjumping course.
Prestige Village – An ‘event within the event’
Beside the showjumping arena, the Prestige Village is an “event within the event” and a standalone entertainment hub for a multitude of luxury labels, such as the Longines Boutique, latest designer fashion, premium food & beverage offerings and live DJ entertainment at after- parties late into evening when the showjumping ends.
New elements this year includean “Equestrian Experience” zone designed for riding enthusiasts and new-comers alike to experience latest equestrian equipment and learn about how to maintain it. It will also showcase latest saddleries, riding apparel and kit.
A new designated “Kids Area” with mini jump courses and other equestrian-themed games is designed to inspire equestrian interest in the new generation.
Spanish equestrian sensation ‘Santi Serra’ returning to Hong Kong
Spanish horseman Santi Serra is also returning to Hong Kong with meticulously choreographed performances displaying the natural beauty and innate grace of horses.
New premium hospitality experience
The hottest tickets in town are for ringside dining tables at the VIP Masters Club by 2 Star Michelin Chef Yves Mattagne. Traditionally snapped-up for social and corporate entertainment, these are the most exclusive seats in the arena – including newly-available Premium Suites – and is the place for Hong Kong’s high-society “to see and be seen”, a highlight of the social calendar for tycoons and taipans, celebrities and stars.
This year, a brand new premium VIP Hospitality option is also ideal for entertaining large groups of guests, business partners or clients – on an exclusive “Terrace”, accommodating up to 50 people, in a trendy and more casual setting with premium champagne and an outstanding grandstand view over the main arena.
The Longines Masters is classified at top CSI 5* level by the FEI, which ranks international show jumping competitions from one to five stars. This prestigious equestrian event in Hong Kong is also the winner of the Gold Award for ‘Best Live Experience at a Professional Sporting Event’ at the Sports Industry Awards Asia (SPIA) 2016 and has been recognised as an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.
The event is broadcast on TV worldwide in more than 120 countries.
Tickets for The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2017 can be purchased at:
www.longineshkmasters.com or www.venue.cityline.com or VIP/Corporate hospitality visit: www.fasttrackagency.hk
Source: Press Release