Longines Masters Series: Three-day equestrian extravaganza gallops to success in Hong Kong

Elite riders and horses from across the world trooped down to AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong last weekend for the Asian installment of intercontinental Longines Masters Series. Running into its third season, the ‘Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping’ saw the world’s most-prized showjumpers compete for the top spot amid stylish events and entertainment for equestrian enthusiasts of all ages.

Hong Kong’s growing legions of equestrian fans were treated to some nail-biting action over three days, rounding off with the Longines Grand Prix that saw Patrice Delaveau from France claiming top honours.

A lot of action and fun-filled activities took place in the Prestige Village as well, where wine and food tastings took place, along with musical performances by MC RiverJaxx and DJ Jérémie Charlier.

The event also provided the perfect backdrop for the Asia Horse Week summit, which explored all matters equestrian, including horse health, biosecurity, veterinarian expertise and China’s exponential growth in the horse market.

As Christophe Ameeuw, founder of the Longines Masters Series, pointed out, “Hong Kong is a very special market for horse enthusiasts, not just in Asia but across the world. We’re absolutely delighted to be back in Hong Kong for our sixth year with our Title Partner, Longines, and Founding Partner, The Hong Kong Jockey Club”.

The Longines Masters Series concludes in New York between 26 and 29 April, and we wish good luck to Patrice Delaveau, who would get closer to the Grand Slam Indoor bonus of €1 million if he continues his winning streak in New York.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Oriental Watch host bow tie workshop to celebrate upcoming race

In anticipation of the 2017 Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday to be held on 22 October, the organisers, Oriental Watch Company and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, recently hosted an exclusive Do-It-Yourself bow tie workshop at the Happy Valley Racecourse.

Renowned bow-tie designer Weixu Wang shared insights into the art of bow-tie making and guided guests to create their own personalised bow ties. Using PVC plastic, each guest was taught how to make unique bow ties using the simplest of tools and the right techniques.

Weixu Wang himself designed three exclusive bow ties to commemorate the 2017 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday. While the Golden Time bow tie is an elaborate affair in black and gold, with tassels, resembling a horse’s tail, the Glorious Moment bow tie is a quirky collection that looks like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. The Embroidered Glory bow tie is more ‘classic’ by comparison, using flat embroidery to depict the life-like sketch of a horse.

“It is an honour to be invited to design unique bow ties for the 2017 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday”, says Weixu Wang, “Originally created for the royalty, bow ties have now become a popular and stylish item in men’s fashion.”