Tag Archives: Longines Masters of Hong Kong

Competitions, Show Jumping

Longines Masters of Hong Kong Cancelled

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Originally taking place on 14-16 February at the AsiaWorld-Expo, EEM, the founder, owner and organiser of the event, announced that Longines Masters of Hong Kong will not take place. This decision is a precautionary measure following the recent developments in the 2019-nCoV coronavirus outbreak which is currently affecting the city of Hong Kong, Mainland China, and across the APAC region.

“With more than 35,000 people expected from Hong Kong, Asia, and around the world, the safety of our audience, athletes, visitors, exhibitors, service providers, internal teams, as well as that of the horses taking part in the events of the Longines Masters Series, is an absolute priority,” says Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and President of EEM. “Considering the uncertainty surrounding the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak, and in order to guarantee the welfare of our guests, partners, and stakeholders, it is without hesitation that we decided not to hold the event from 14-16 February 2020. Our loyal partners, which include Longines, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, DBS Bank, Hong Kong International Airport, AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Tourism Office, and TVB Pearl, who have already been informed, showed their understanding and support.”

The riders involved of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong will be contacted individually by EEM in the coming days. Members of the public who have already booked tickets will be reimbursed. Ticket holders can contact Cityline’s customer service hotline at (852) 2314 4228 (Monday through Friday from 10am to 8pm) or visit www.cityline.com. For other enquiries and further information, please call (852) 5984 9936 (office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm).

The Longines Masters Series is an intercontinental series of prestigious show jumping competitions, recognised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). For the past five seasons, the Longines Masters Series included the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, the established Asian leg of the series. Elite riders and horses around the world take part in this Series.

Asia Horse Week Also Cancelled

The third edition of Asia Horse Week, scheduled for 13-16 February at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, will not take place. This decision is a result of precautionary measures, in view of the recent developments in the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak.

“The safety of our delegates, partners, stakeholders, as well as the welfare of the horses from Hong Kong, Asia, and around the world is an absolute priority,” said Raphaël le Masne de Chermont, the Chairman of Asia Horse Week. “With the uncertainty surrounding the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak, it is without hesitation that we decided not to hold the event from 13-16 February 2020. Our loyal partners, which include the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Longines Masters Series, the International Equestrian Federation, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Tourism Office, and the Wall Street Journal, who have already been informed, showed their understanding and support.”

Delegates who have already booked tickets will be reimbursed. Ticket holders can contact Cityline’s customer service hotline at (852) 2314 4228 (Monday through Friday from 10am to 8pm) or visit www.cityline.com. For other enquiries and further information, please call (852) 5984 9936 (office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm).

The first edition of the Asian Arabian Horse Show, which was to be held as part of Asia Horse Week, is also cancelled.

Launched by EEM in 2018 as an initiative of the Longines Masters Series (Hong Kong, Lausanne, Paris), Asia Horse Week has been designed to bring together key leaders and stakeholders of the global equestrian industry. Its aim is to offer the unique development opportunities in Asia, which offers great potential for the growth of equestrian sports. In 2019, the Asia Horse Week and its conferences had attracted thousands of guests, professionals, experts, riders, owners, and key players in international equine industry.

Daniel Koroloff
daniel@blizko-communication.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Bonus Season Launches with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong

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The eighth edition of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, from February 14 to 16, 2020 at the AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong, will launch Season V of the Longines Masters Series, a series which, this year, will include events in Hong Kong, Lausanne, and Paris. The bonuses, which are a signature feature of the Longines Masters Series, in addition to the prize pools offered for each individual event, are a significant source of motivation for the best riders in the world.

Season V of the Longines Masters Series, the first single calendar year season (the previous seasons ran over two calendar years) of the series launched by EEM and Longines, the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Masters Series, will be launched in Hong Kong on February 14. It will then go to Lausanne, from June 18 to 21, and end in Paris, from December 3 to 6.

. A 50,000 Euro bonus, the Longines Speed Challenge Bonus, is being offered to the fastest rider of the Longines Speed Challenge Series’ season (the top three best results from Hong Kong, Lausanne, and Paris’ Longines Masters will be taken into account for the end-of-season ranking).

. Each Masters Power event promises 10,000 Euros to the riders for each of their clear rounds above 2.05 meters (i.e. 2.06 meters). The 10,000 Euros is to be shared between all riders that clear more than 2.05m.

. A 2.25 million Euro super bonus, the Longines Masters Series Super Bonus, will go to the rider that manages to win the three Longines Grand Prix stages of the series in the following order: Hong Kong, Lausanne, and Paris. A 1 million Euro bonus, the Longines Masters Series Bonus, awaits anyone who achieves three consecutive victories in these Grand Prix’s (regardless of the city in which he or she wins for the first time; the 1 million Euro bonus therefore logically takes into account the results straddling two seasons).

Bonuses: A Flashback

. Launched last year, the Longines Speed Challenge Bonus was won for the first time by Italian rider, Emanuele Gaudiano.

. Launched at the 2017 Longines Masters of Paris, the Masters Power Bonus was won by Emanuele Gaudiano at the 2019 Longines Masters of New York, and by the British rider Laura Renwick, at the 2019 Longines Masters of Lausanne. Last December in Paris, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, and Egypt’s Nayel Nassar reached the honorable height of 1.97m, 9 enormous centimeters’ away from the bonus.

. In four seasons, the Longines Masters Series Bonus and Super Bonus have never been won. Maybe they’ll be won in 2020, for Season V?

Daniel Koroloff
daniel@blizko-communication.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Irish Star Bertram Allen Makes Longines Speed Challenge His Own

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Bertram Allen and Christy JNR scorched the sand on his way to winning the Longines Speed Challenge on Saturday night, making it a second victory in the ‘fastest competition in the world” for the Irishman and sending the Hong Kong fans delirious.

Didn’t Allen just love it, too, breaking into a beaming smile after setting a time of 60.47 that proved far too quick – and too good. Behind him came France’s Patrice “King of Hong Kong” Delaveau and Vestale de Mazure*HDC (62.88), while fellow Frenchman Kevin Staut, winner of the Speed Challenge in Paris, and Ayade de Septon*HDC were third (62.94).

“I like to smile when I ride well,” said Allen. ‘I’m delighted and my horse ran superbly. The people here in Hong Kong really love it. They really enjoy their time and watching the horses. I love it.”

Among the many highlights of the weekend so far has been the talent shown by Asia’s rising generation of equestrian stars and they were out in force in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Junior Challenge.

For the first time in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, a competition over 1m for Asian riders aged under 18, from 4 different Asian nations, gave these emerging talents a chance to compete on the same stage as the greats of the sport.  Indonesia’s Muhammad Akbar Kurniawan rode Easyphighter Dei Folletti to victory and said the experience was a “thrill.”

“I feel great because this is my first time in such an incredible event like the Longines Masters of Hong Kong,” he said. “I hope I can use this experience and go on to the Olympics. I have been watching the stars and it feels great.”

The action on the main arena had begun early afternoon with four riders sharing the prize after a Masters Power Maserati Trophy Six Bar event that had seen the height reach to an astonishing 2.02m.

Again, an Asian rider was to the fore. China’s Ella Wang Yunjing on Aken Utopia joined Great Britain’s Laura Renwick on Top Dollar VI, Pilar Lucrecia Cordon of Spain on Trix Trax, and Irishman Allen on Izzy by Picobello in walking away the winners after failing on the monstrous fence but all clearing 1.92m.

The 21-year-old Chinese rider was still buzzing long after the event had ended, and showed herself to be another Asian star on the rise –and showing the ease with the big occasion of a veteran, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

“It’s a really good day. I am very happy. It’s my first time doing a Six Bar, and my first time competing in Hong Kong and I was actually pretty nervous but [Aken Utopia] made it amazing,” said Wang.

It wasn’t just the more seasoned stars of equestrian sports who shared the spotlight on Saturday. A mini version of the Longines Speed Challenge was held in the afternoon – incorporating the talents of those kids involved in the 1st Asian Hobby Horse Competition, who tested their speed – and skill – across a specially designed course.

Part of the sales of Hobby Horse sticks has been channeled to the Save the Children Hong Kong, one of a number of fundraising efforts for the charity staged on Saturday and right across the Longines Masters of Hong Kong weekend thanks to the support of EEM.

What a day it was, and as night descended on AsiaWorld-Expo, DJ sets by Jeremie Charlier and then Henri PFR kept everyone moving – and cheering for more.

Jump Media | jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Longines Masters of Hong Kong Holds Official Press Conference

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Highlight of Hong Kong social calendar twinning world-class showjumping with fashion, art, gastronomy and entertainment

Hong Kong, February 2, 2016 – The official press conference of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2016 was held today at The Hong Kong Jockey Club and welcomed on stage Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice-President of Longines and Head of International Marketing; Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges: JP, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr. Michael Lee, President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation; Mr. Fabien Grobon, Managing Director of EEM; and Ms Jacqueline Lai, Masters rider, as the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition reaches its third leg at AsiaWorld-Expo from February 19-21.

The last leg of the tri-continental Longines Masters Series which opened in Los Angeles in October and continued to Paris in December promises to be Asia’s social event of the year and ‘place to see and be seen’.

With Germany’s Marco Kutscher and Van Gogh having won the opening round at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles and local hero Patrice Delaveau powering Lacrimoso 3 HDC home in the Longines Grand Prix in Paris, the competition between the world’s top show jumpers is now wide open for the last leg in Hong Kong. A repeat of his Paris win in Hong Kong will earn the French star a Bonus of 500,000 euros, leading him on his way to win the Masters Grand Slam Super Bonus, while Marco Kutscher could collect a 250,000 euro bonus for two non-successive victories.

But there’s much more to this prestigious international competition than world-class showjumping.

The 6-star level event is also a chic highlight of Hong Kong’s social calendar with Hong Kong’s high-society out in force at prestigious ringside dining tables at the VIP Masters Club by 2 Michelin-starred Chef Yves Mattagne.

An elegant and free entry ‘Prestige Village’ also shines the spotlight on luxury lifestyle in a buzzing, sophisticated atmosphere of contemporary art, saddleries showcasing latest riding apparel and kit, champagne and wine tastings, live gastronomy demonstrations, fine food outlets and live DJ entertainment.

Iconic French house DJ duo Cassius will take centre stage at the Prestige Village on Saturday night Feb. 20 for an exclusive after party.

Luxury boutiques include an elegant showcase whereby Longines, the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the event, will present the Official Watch of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, a model of The Longines Master Collection. The Spanish fashion house Massimo Dutti and the luxury Chinese brand Shanghai Tang, will also present their latest collections.

Designed to appeal to the whole family, there is a ‘Kids Village’ to entertain the youngest ones, while celebrity-watchers will be on the lookout for some of Hong Kong and Asia’s most prominent household names and stars, including Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Aaron Kwok.

Also this year, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, founding partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, will introduce the Horse Pavilion for riding enthusiasts of all ages. The Horse Pavilion consists of three stables that will provide the people of Hong Kong with a rare opportunity to interact with the heroes of the sport – the horses.

The HKJC is pleased to welcome some of the biggest names in equestrianism to the HKJC Master Classes. For the fourth consecutive year they will be providing the very best in coaching to selected members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS).

At the official press conference in Hong Kong, Mr. Fabien Grobon, Managing Director of event founder EEM, said: “We’re looking forward to a fantastic last leg of the international series at AsiaWorld-Expo. After three successful editions of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, it just gets bigger and better; it is firmly established among the most prestigious events in Asia, providing an avant programme of sporting excellence, elegance and the best of lifestyle and show jumping. This glamorous annual sporting and social event continues to attract record-breaking attendances.”

He also reminded Christophe Ameeuw’s quote, Founder and CEO of EEM: “Our vision was to reinvent show jumping and appeal to the whole family at the same time. So it’s also a celebration of entertaining riding competitions among local Hong Kong jockeys, along with Master Classes in riding and autograph sessions, with a glamorous cocktail of attractions at the Prestige Village and lively DJ after parties to complete a fantastic night out after the competitions end. For the first time in 30 years, Polo will return to Hong Kong and will take place on Saturday February 20th for the Shanghai Tang Polo Cup Tournament. On top of that, for the first time outside of Macau, Franco Dragone’s “House of Dancing Water” will perform an exclusive show on Sunday February 21.”

“Like previous editions, we’re confident it will be a huge success, attracting more than 20,000 visitors as the event continues to inspire public interest in equestrian sport, and enhances Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s ’Equestrian Capital’.”

“On behalf of EEM, I’d like to thank all of the partners of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong; especially the Title Partner and the Official Timekeeper, Longines; our Founding Partner the Hong Kong Jockey Club; the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation; Massimo Dutti; Mercedes Benz Hong Kong; HKT – The Club; TVB Pearl; Shanghai Tang; Airbus; and everyone else who has contributed to the continuous success.

Vice-President of Longines and Head of International Marketing Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli said: “As Title Partner and Official Timekeeper, we’re delighted to partner this prestigious international series. This innovative concept combining excellence in showjumping, entertainment and elegance keeps going from strength to strength. It really has caught the imagination of sports lovers in all three great world cities. What we see now is the culmination of ten years of commitment to bring equestrian sport into the international spotlight. We could not be here without the wonderful support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and thanks to them, Hong Kong is truly the equestrian capital of Asia.”

As well as the Longines Grand Prix, Longines also partners with 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.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been a Founding Partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong since 2013, and JP CEO Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “All of us at The Club are delighted to continue our support for this highlight of our showjumping calendar here in Hong Kong. It’s a glamorous counterpart to our world-class horse racing and I’m sure the horse-loving Hong Kong public will enjoy it immensely. We’re actively trying to encourage this noble aspect of equestrian sport. We saw a big rise in popularity following Hong Kong’s huge success staging equestrian events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And in close co-operation with the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation we’ve since created an infrastructure and committed significant resources to establishing a Club-sponsored Equestrian Team, with our riders achieving considerable success on the international stage.”

The Club is also hosting the HKJC Race of the Riders, with several top jockeys facing the unfamiliar challenge of a showjumping course. The four jockeys – Derek Leung, Neil Callan, Vincent Ho and Joao Moreira – will be pairing up with the top showjumpers in an entertaining team relay competition.

One outstanding graduate of the Club’s training is Jacqueline Lai, Hong Kong’s representative rider at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong this year.

Hong Kong’s first national champion rider, who struck gold at the 2009 China National Showjumping Championships in Beijing, said: “I’m so proud to be representing Hong Kong at the Longines Masters in front of my home crowd. It’s the first major event of my career riding against the top showjumpers in the world in Hong Kong, so it’s obviously a great privilege. These are my heroes and I really can’t believe I’ll be competing in such stellar company. It’s a bit like being an unlikely qualifier in a World Cup final, to be honest. But I already feel like a champion just by being there. It really is a great, great privilege and I’m so excited… and so are my family and all my friends here!

Co-partnering the event is the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, and President Mr Michael Lee said: “The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation is dedicated to advancing the sport of equestrianism in Hong Kong, so it a great honour to participate in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, which is one of our eventing highlights. Longines has done so much for the sport over many, many years, and their dedication and contribution also provide us and our riders in Hong Kong great motivation to strive. May I also express my appreciation to all of our Judges, stewards and volunteers for their tireless efforts contributing to the advancement of equestrian sport in Hong Kong.”

To access official pictures of the Press Conference: http://we.tl/rXoXvQ4bjy.

Tickets for The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2016 can be purchased at: www.longineshkmasters.com or http://venue.cityline.com.

Website: www.longinesmasters.com

Ticketing: www.longinesmasters.com/en/ticketing

Official Trailer for The Longines Masters Series 2015-2016 ‘We Ride the World’: https://youtu.be/DGtw5rkV2Fo

The Ride of My Life web series: http://www.longinesmasters.com/en/masters-tv