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Countdown to 2018 Longines Masters of Hong Kong kicks off at press conference
Anticipation is building as the countdown to the new Season of the Longines Masters Series enters its final stage. The new season of the international Show Jumping Series will start in Paris, home to the European leg of the Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping, on November 29 – December 2, 2018 before it continues its journey across continents to Hong Kong on February 15 – 17, 2019, at AsiaWorld Expo and New York on April 25 – 28, 2019.
Together with Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Longines and hosted by Founding Partner the Hong Kong Jockey Club, EEM held a Press Conference in Hong Kong on 13 November to kick off the seventh edition of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, alongside official partners Maserati and DBS, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, Hong Kong riders Clarissa Lyra and Jaqueline Siu, to announce the event’s new programme showcasing three days of world-class show jumping competitions, entertainment and memorable lifestyle experiences.
EEM, founder and organizer of the Series, continue their quest for excellence and innovation to bring Show Jumping to new audiences around the world. CEO Christophe Ameeuw commented: “I have always had an obsession with wanting to communicate my passion and to bring our sport into the international spotlight. We are delighted to return to Hong Kong and propose an exciting program high in color and surprises. We invite all fans and families to discover the magic and excitement of our sport.”
For the first time a selection of show jumping talents from Asia will compete alongside the best riders of the world
One of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, the Longines Masters of Hong Kong attracts each year the best Show Jumping horses and riders on the planet for three days in six exciting competitions, created course designed by Frank Rothenberger, for a total prize money of US$680,620. For the first time, promising show jumping riders from Asia will compete in a world class event alongside the international stars of the sport.
On Friday February 15, 2019, the AsiaWorld-Expo Trophy opens the show. Next on course will be four of Hong Kong star Jockeys who team up with four star Show jumping riders in the one and only HKJC Race of the Riders, The show continues and intensifies with founding partner’s HKJC Trophy, a two-round competition with fences set at a height of 1.50m. The NEW HKJC Asian Challenge will reward the top three performing Asian riders in total with HK$250,000. Participating nations include so far Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and China.
On Saturday February 16, crowds will discover the Masters Power Maserati Trophy a competition that blends power and agility in a gravity-defying high jump competition with a bonus prize to the rider that can break the +2m barrier. The evening will lead the way to the iconic Longines Speed Challenge, an audience favorite, an exhilarating challenge of speed, agility and technique for horses and riders. The course is the same over the three legs of the Series and will be revealed in Paris.
Sunday February 17 will see a dramatic face-off between the best 5* riders while the DBS Trophy showcases a unique combination of strength and speed on a tricky course, before the grand finale: the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong. The great classic of show jumping events, with Olympic heights of 1.60m. It is the ultimate test of technicality, sporting performance, agility and bravery and requires perfect harmony between the rider and mount. The winner of each leg of the Series, Paris, Hong Kong and New York wins the Grand Slam Bonus of €2,250,000.
“This year, we are thrilled to return to Hong Kong for the 7th time, thanks to the support of our loyal partners. We hope the line-up this year will further benefit the development of equestrian sports in Asia,” commented Mr Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM.
Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, founding partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong commented: “Looking beyond Hong Kong, the Masters is increasingly contributing to the development of equestrian sport in Asia as a whole. Last year saw the inaugural Asia Horse Week and this year will see the first HKJC Asian Challenge. This will be an important opportunity for Asian riders to showcase their skills as part of an international competition.”
