Longines Hong Kong Masters Comes to a Close with 2015 Planned for 12-15 February

The second edition of the Longines Hong Kong Masters (LHKM), a five-star accredited international equestrian show jumping event, came to a close on Sunday after an three days of competitions.

With more than 30,000 visits over the weekend at AsiaWorld-Expo, audiences descended on the venue to watch 30 of the world’s best show jumping riders and their horses compete for US$ 1 million in prize money.

Friday marked the kick-off to the event with the first two competitions with French riders dominating all the way. The Hong Kong « M » Mark Trophy and the Longines Speed Challenge saw Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Kevin Staut (FRA) place first, respectively. Julien and Cristallo A LM leaped to a great finish with the timing of 57.29 sec at the opening race, and Kevin topped the second competition with a time of 65.37 sec with his horse, Quismay des Vaux H D C.

The second day saw Martin Fuchs (SUI) winning the Prix EuroAsia with PSG Future in a timing of 32.02 sec. Harrie Smolders (NED) then shined in a display of exquisite horsemanship as he competed at the evening’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy with Regina Z in an incredible time of 39.99 sec. Continuing onto the third day, Netherlands’ second win came when Marc Houtzager (NED) and his horse Sterrehof’s Uppity won the Prix Massimo Dutti with 53.90 sec.

The culmination of the competitions came to a grand finale when 29 of the best riders returned for the Longines Grand Prix, which carried a prize of US$ 700,000. Competitors included some of the biggest names in the discipline such as Roger Yves Bost (FRA); Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS); Ludger Beerbaum (GER); Longines Ambassador of Elegence, Jane Richard Philips (SUI); and the defending champion from last year, Patrice Delaveau (FRA).

Amongst the stellar list of world-class riders, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) riding on Gotha FRH emerged the winner when he claimed the trophy for this year’s Longines Grand Prix with a timing of 41.64 sec.

Christophe Ameeuw, EEM World CEO, founder and organizer of the Longines Hong Kong Masters said, “This year’s Longines Hong Kong Masters was a triumph and a spectacular way to start the Year of the Horse. It is because of the success of the Longines Hong Kong Masters and the Gucci Paris Masters that we are happy to announce a new edition to the Masters Grand Slam Indoor with the U.S. launch of the Los Angeles Masters, coming September 25-28, 2014. I am thrilled that my team is now gearing up to fulfill our American dream.”

The second edition of the Longines Hong Kong Masters saw over 30,000 visits, an increase of over 75% increase from last year, and 90% of tickets sold.

The next Hong Kong Masters will take place from 12-15 February 2015.