Three days of equestrian wonder as Longines Masters gallops into Hong Kong

With the seventh edition of the Longines Masters – Hong Kong’s biggest annual show-jumping event – taking over AsiaWorld Expo from 15 to 17 February, horse lovers are counting days to three full days of world-class equestrian entertainment.

Longines Masters

But Longines Masters is so much more than just show-jumping – under the vision of Christophe Ameeuw, the founder and CEO of EEM, the founder and organiser of the series, the three-day event will metamorphose into a non-stop entertainment hub that marries the worlds of sports and culture through diverse experiences meant for the whole family.

Here’s a countdown of what’s happening over 15-17 February:

On 15 February, the AsiaWorld-Expo Trophy opens the show. Next on course will be four Hong Kong star jockeys who team up with four star show-jumping riders in the HKJC Race of the Riders. The show intensifies further with the founding partner’s HKJC Trophy, a two-round competition. All eyes are expected to be on the new HKJC Asian Challenge which will see participants from Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Korea and China.

On 16 February, the day will start with the Masters Power Maserati Trophy, a spectacular competition that blends power and agility in a gravity-defying high jump competition. This will lead the way to iconic Longines Speed Challenge, an audience favourite, and a test of speed, agility and technique for the horses and the riders alike.

On the last day, 17 February, there will be a dramatic face-off between the best riders of the world all leading up to the grand finale, the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong. The current candidate for the Super Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping is Edwina Tops Alexander from Australia, winner of the Longines Grand Prix of Paris in December 2018. If she were to win the Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong, she could then dream of the €2.25 million bonus promised to the rider who wins all three Grand Prix races in the same Longines Masters season.

Longines masters

Apart from all the action in the ring, there’s going to be an array of fun activities for the entire family to indulge in at the Longines Masters. Guests can enjoy gourmet delicacies and a shopping spree at the Prestige Village that will be set up alongside the paddock. The kids will particularly enjoy the Kids’ Club presented by Kids’ Gallery.

 A host of activities will be available all weekend, especially for those moments when the kids’ attention wanders away from the main arena. From equestrian-themed art and craft classes to face-painting sessions and musical theatre workshops, there’s something for every age group. There’s even a chance to learn how to toss rubber “horse shoes” and an opportunity for kids to add their own designs to the Longines Masters equestrian mural.

Catch an exclusive sneak peek of all the action here:

 

           

Final countdown to Longines Masters, Hong Kong’s most popular horse show-jumping event

Equestrian lovers have already started counting down to the biggest show-jumping event of the year, as the seventh iteration of the much-anticipated Longines Masters – Hong Kong edition, canters into sight on 15-19 February at AsiaWorld Expo.

Clearly buoyed by last year’s galloping success, this year’s three-day equestrian event promises to be even bigger and better, with three full days of world-class show-jumping competitions, entertainment, and immersive art and culture experiences.

Christophe Ameeuw talks to media at the Longines Masters press conference

The driving force behind this annual mega-event is none other than Christophe Ameeuw, the founder and CEO of EEM, the founder and organiser of the series, who talks to us about his vision, motivation and what to expect from this year’s rendition of Longines Masters.

You have been a horse show organiser since 2004. What keeps you motivated?

I have an obsession and a burning desire to bring our sport into the international spotlight. I am delighted to return to Hong Kong this year with an exciting programme full of colour and surprises. It gives me immense satisfaction when fans and families of equestrian sports discover the magic and excitement of our sport.

What are the new programmes coming to Hong Kong this year?

This year, for the first time, promising show-jumping riders from Asia will compete in a world-class event alongside the international stars of the sport. I feel this is very important given that there’s a whole new generation of riders out there. This is why, in partnership with Hong Kong Jockey Club, we have come up with the HKJC Asian Challenge. So far, participating nations include Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and China.

This time, Longines Masters will also host the HKJC Asian Challenge

What are the Hong Kong participants we should keep an eye out for?

I will support all the riders from Hong Kong and Asia, as it’s such an important event for them, one that is guaranteed to give them immense visibility. I am quite impressed with two of Hong Kong’s home-grown show-jumping riders Raena Leung and Jacqueline Lai, who are both very dedicated and talented.

Do you think Hong Kong has even more firmly etched its place in the equestrian world map since last year’s Longines Masters?

Absolutely. If you just see the number of quality partners we have – from Maserati and DBS to Longines, the amount of media coverage we’ve got, it goes on to show that Hong Kong has emerged as a hugely important venue in the world of equestrian sports over the years, and it will only become even more important in the coming years.

To get a glimpse of the nail-biting excitement, check out the trailer here: