Tag Archives: Longines Masters

Competitions, Show Jumping

Christian Ahlmann and ‘Caribis Z’ Triumph at Longines Masters of Hong Kong

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Photo Credit: PSI for EEM.

(Hong Kong, February 13, 2017) – Asia’s most glamorous showjumping event, the last leg of the second season of the Longines Masters Series “Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping,” came to a thrilling climax in Hong Kong. The prestigious 3-day event, created and organized by EEM, took place Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12 and combined heart-pounding competition between the world’s top show jumpers with stylish lifestyle and entertainment for equestrian sports enthusiasts of all ages.

“The 6-star series continues to grow from strength to strength with record-breaking attendance, and the final leg in Hong Kong is now firmly established as a major ‘must-go’ sporting and social event in Asia,” said Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM.

Highlights of opening day were two exciting competitions presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, founding partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and the EEM Trophy. New to this year’s lineup, the EEM Trophy was won by Spanish show jumper, Pilar Lucrecia Cordon, in the first class of the day, and Swiss rider Martin Fuchs jumped to victory in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy.

Also on Friday, February 10, was The HKJC Race of the Riders, which paired four Hong Kong jockeys – Joao ‘Magic’ Moreira, Neil Callan, Derek Leung and Vincent Ho – with star showjumpers in an entertaining team sprint relay competition. Cheered on by thousands of local fans, it proved to be an enthralling competition involving world-class riders from different disciplines working together. To the crowd’s delight, Hong Kong’s own Joao ‘Magic’ Moreira and French champion show jumper Roger Yves Bost clinched the trophy.

Day two of the competition on Saturday, February 11, was headlined by the world’s fastest class, the thrilling Longines Speed Challenge. This is the only speed competition of its kind in the world, designed to encourage top show jumpers to improve on their times from one continent to the next over an identical course in Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats in the final round of this nail-biting competition ridden against the clock. In the end, German rider, Daniel Deusser and horse Happiness van T Paradijs triumphed, clocking a time of 67.01, just ahead of Pius Schwizer and Bertram Allen.

The excitement of the competition culminated on Sunday, February 12, as Christian Ahlmann on his horse ‘Caribis Z’ took top honors after a spectacular winning round in the Longines Grand Prix. He was joined on the podium by fellow German rider, Ludger Beerbaum on ‘Casello’ and 3rd place Austrian rider, Max Kühner on ‘Cornet Kalua’.

The technical, Olympic-level course, with twelve obstacles and fifteen challenging jumps up to 1.6 metres high with tough sequences and double and triple combinations, required horses that are perfectly trained and focused, and experienced riders avoiding the slightest error of judgement. With this Longines Grand Prix win, Christian Ahlmann is in the running for the Grand Slam bonus of 1 million Euros for consecutive wins if he triumphs in the Longines Grand Prix in Los Angeles and in Paris this year, in the third season of the Longines Masters.

Legendary “horse whisperer” Santi Serra and his team of performing horses mesmerized audiences throughout the event, with his daily “natural dressage” show, presented by Shanghai Tang. Choreographed especially for Hong Kong, the unique performance highlights the historical links between Chinese culture and horses, combining classic Chinese music with stunning costumes.

Throughout the three days, over 5,000 socialites and VIPs made an appearance at the Longines Masters Club, including Jackson Lai, Mr. Hong Kong 2016, Freeyon Chung, Mr. Hong Kong 2016 second runner up and Tiffany Lau, Miss Hong Kong first runner up. Over 25,000 equestrian sports fans, celebrities and Hong Kong high-society packed the arena for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, which has become Asia’s equestrian social event of the year.

“I can safely say that this has been our best edition yet, capacity crowds have turned out to marvel at the skills of the world’s greatest show jumpers as well as to cheer on their own local, up-and- coming equestrian stars, also to enjoy the whole lifestyle elements of the event,” said Ameeuw. “Thanks to the support of our Title Partner Longines, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, founding partner and indeed all our partners, it’s been an incredible three days and we look forward to returning to Hong Kong again in 2018 with an even more spectacular show.”

After an amazing second season, in Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, EEM is already preparing for the Longines Masters’ third season and looks forward to seeing everyone there!

Capturing some spectacular moments from the Longines Speed Challenge, this video highlights the best of the second season from Los Angeles through to Hong Kong: https://youtu.be/n5hFODavtHw.

Competitions, Show Jumping

EEM Launches Season Two of the Longines Masters Series

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Los Angeles – Paris – Hong Kong

Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping

Ecaussinnes. Belgium June 1, 2016 – EEM announces registration now open for Season Two of the Longines Masters Series, Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping on three continents.

The new season kicks off in North America as the first major equestrian competition following the Olympics, with the Longines Masters of Los Angeles, September 29 – October 2, 2016 now in its new seaside quarters of the Long Beach Convention Center; followed by the Longines Masters of Paris, December 1-4, 2016 held alongside the Salon du Cheval de Paris, before setting sail for Asia and the third and final stage of the series with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong February 10-12, 2017.

One of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, the Longines Masters Series attracts each year the best horses and riders on the planet. The unique event concept is a celebration of the best of the sport of Show Jumping and entertainment for passionate equestrians, horse lovers and all those who enjoy a unique lifestyle experience.

EEM, creator, owner and organizer of this prestigious series, continues their quest for excellence, innovation and the reinvention of Show Jumping.  Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM: “I have always had an obsession with wanting to communicate my passion for this sport.  With this new Season, thanks to Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Swiss watch-maker Longines, we begin our intercontinental journey to meet new audiences around the world, a step closer in the realization of my dream to ‘Ride the World’ and bring Show Jumping into the international spotlight.”

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said, “The Longines Masters of Los Angeles is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, and the City of Long Beach is proud to host the American leg of the series. Long Beach offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and beach city charm. Our downtown waterfront Arena is a perfect setting for both riders and spectators, with hotels, shopping, entertainment and 125 quality restaurants just steps away.”

After a very successful initial season, equestrian excellence, elegance and entertainment will reach new heights for season two.

Introducing a NEW 2.25 Million Euros Grand Slam Indoor Bonus with a 4.5 Million Euros Intercontinental Series
SHOW JUMPING’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

A driving force behind the sport, EEM raises the bar even higher and announces a NEW unprecedented bonus for its Grand Slam Indoor, Show jumping’s ultimate sporting challenge.

The new Super Grand Slam Bonus awards a 2.25 Million Euros for a triple consecutive Longines Grand Prix victory starting in Los Angeles, then Paris and Hong Kong in the same season.

The Grand Slam Bonus of 1 Million Euros will be awarded for three successive victories in the Longines Grand Prix (ex: Paris > Hong Kong > Los Angeles, or Hong Kong > Los Angeles > Paris.)

Inspired by the famous Grand Slam in tennis, and officially recognized by the FEI, the new “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping” reaches new heights as the best horses and riders of the planet will attempt to win the American, European and Asian legs of the Longines Masters.  These are accomplishments that will mark the life of an athlete; the rider who achieves this will be not only enter into legend of the Longines Masters but also the entire sport.

With total potential prize earnings of up to 4,500,000€, this new intercontinental challenge thus raises EEM and its “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping” to the ranks of legendary sporting events such as the Ryder Cup for golf, the Grand Slam for tennis and the America’s Cup for sailing.

EEM presents « We Ride the World »™ – The Journey to Excellence

The international signature of the Longines Masters “We Ride the World” was introduced last season by EEM, notably featured along with the documentary series “The Ride of My Life,” both of which echo the philosophy developed by EEM for the Longines Masters:

Said Christophe Ameeuw, “If equestrian sports are a matter of taste, there is still a consensus that no one can question: the beauty of the horse transcends the sportive exploit, and beyond the extraordinary performance of the riders, conveys a feeling of wonder.

“And this is doubtlessly what makes show jumping universal, transcending countries, cultures and populations. Its treasured values do not need rules to exist. They are shared without effort as a testimonial. There is something profoundly captivating in the competition, like a theatrical play that mesmerises and transports you.

“In a world that is becoming more and more digital, the experience of the live spectacle is a rare and enviable commodity. All over the world sports events gather the crowds and unlock passions, inspired by social networks as symbols of a generation that is eager to share. This emotion, this dream, this enchantment that we bring to our ‘Masters’ is our mission at EEM. Each new season of Longines Masters Series, ‘Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping’, across three continents, three cultures, three emblematic cities, Los Angeles, Paris, and Hong Kong, we carry the values of our sport as an antidote to the difficulties of our time.”

A New Artist for the Season Two

For the 2nd season in a row, Bruno Danto, EEM’s Creative Director, entrusted the image for this season to young and talented Italian artist Riccardo Guasco. Danto comments, “I wanted to present a distinctive image and identifiable style for the Longines Masters and initiated the collaboration with up and coming artist to interpret each Season Posters.  With a bit of nostalgia, these images remind me of the covers of The New Yorker, where the best illustrators of the world capture life with a rare eye and elegance.” Guasco, who works as both painter and illustrator and now resides in Wales, created the new collection adding touches of cubism and hints at each urban setting. The posters speak to the reputation of each individual Longines Masters while also illustrating its core concept, “We Ride the World.”

To take part in the Longines Masters “We Ride the World” journey, register online for all three events at www.longinesmasters.com/en.

Sunshine Sachs
Sarit Schneider | Alyssa Furnari
LAMasters@sunshinesachs.com
212 691 2800 | 323 822 9300

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

EEM Announces Appointment of Fabien Grobon as Managing Director

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After five years as CEO of the FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014, Fabien Grobon joins EEM as Managing Director, starting September 1, 2015.

He will now manage the team at EEM, the company founded in 2009 by Christophe Ameeuw, who remains CEO. He will continue to consolidate the development of the Longines Masters series, now on three continents and recognized as the most prestigious indoor showjumping competition worldwide.

A 2000 graduate from Insead, Fabien Grobon joined consulting firm AT Kearney as Senior Associate, and then turned his attention to the sports business. From 2001 to 2010, he held the positions of General Manager of Marketing and Licensing and then Managing Director of Sponsorship within the French tennis federation for the French Open, Roland Garros.

“The arrival of Fabien in EEM is an important step in the development of our company and our projects. His experience and skills in sports management, both in the 2014 WEG and Roland Garros, will help us pursue our ambition to bring the concept of the Longines Masters to the front of the international stage,” said Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM.

ABOUT EEM

To reinvent Show Jumping! What an ambitious goal EEM CEO and Founder Christophe Ameeuw and his team have set for themselves! For over ten years they have been dedicated to bringing equestrian sports to the international front stage. Inspired by the Grand Slam in tennis and its legendary tournaments, EEM gathers under one roof the best of the sport, entertainment and glamour.

2009 was a crucial milestone for EEM with the revival of the Jumping de Paris and the creation of the Gucci Paris Masters, as it marked the beginning of their international development. EEM then set off to conquer new continents. An Asian edition took place in Hong Kong in 2013, followed in 2014 by the first American stage of the Longines Masters in Los Angeles. This first edition on the American continent was welcomed by renowned sports channel ESPN with the headline “The Next Big USA Sport”.

In 2015 the intercontinental trilogy becomes the Longines Masters, presented by EEM.

ABOUT THE LONGINES MASTERS

Established in three of the biggest cities – Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong – the unique Longines Masters series is recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale and is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions worldwide. Created by EEM, the concept of the Masters was born in 2009 with the first edition of the Gucci Paris Masters, now renamed the Longines Masters of Paris. Inspired by the Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, the circuit rapidly developed abroad, with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong in 2013 and the Longines Masters of Los Angeles in 2014. In 2015, the circuit was renamed the Longines Masters, this term covers all legs of the series.

The world’s best riders and horses will compete for one million dollars in prize money at each leg of the series. In addition, any rider who consecutively wins the Longines Masters Grands Prix in Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles will be rewarded with one million euros Masters Grand Slam bonus. For two successive victories, the rider will be awarded €500,000, and winners of two non-successive victories within a series of three Longines Masters Grand Prix will receive a €250,000 bonus.

These events are broadcast in more than 120 countries and reach almost 550 million viewers. Every edition of the Longines Masters is must-attend event that brings together sports enthusiasts, amateurs, celebrities and corporate decision-makers from around the world, who come to enjoy a unique experience, boasting exceptional sport, entertainment, glamour, gastronomy and contemporary art.

Longines Masters of Los Angeles October 1st to 4th 2015
Longines Masters of Paris December 3rd to 6th 2015
Longines Masters of Hong Kong February 19th to 21st 2016

UNITED STATES MEDIA CONTACTS
Sunshine Sachs
Sarit Schneider | Alyssa Furnari
LAMasters@SunshineSachs.com
212 691 2800 | 323 822 9300