Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2017 Concludes Today
Press Release
Sunday, 12 February 2017
The LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong made its grand finale today with the LONGINES Grand Prix. Other major competitions of the day include yet another HONG KONG TATLER Trophy and the HKJC Junior Trophy which made its debut this year.
Known for its technical difficulties, the LONGINES Grand Prix incorporates twelve obstacles and fifteen jumps with a staggering maximum height of 1.60 meters at the Olympic Level. A total of 27 riders from around the world including current world number 1, Daniel Deusser, number 4 Christian Ahlmann as well as Hong Kong’s Jacqueline Lai competed in the Grand Prix.
The LONGINES Grand Prix was designed by world-renown Italian International course designer Uliano Vezzani. This course-to-remember imposed challenges even to the most seasoned world champions. After first round of intense competition, top 12 riders entered into the final. Filled with thrills and spills, the world-class competition was truly a battle of champions, including world no. 4 Christian Ahlmann (GER), four-time Olympic Gold medalist Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Austria’s Max Kuhner, legendary John Whitaker (GBR) and Furusiyya Nations Cup champion Lorenzo de Luca (ITA).
The winners of the prestigious LONGINES Grand Prix were Christian Ahlmann and Carisbis Z who finished the competition with undeniable precision, a faultless performance and an impressive speed of 37.94 seconds. The champions were followed by Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and Austria’s Max Kuhner who came third.
At the prize presentation ceremony of the LONGINES Grand Prix, Mr. Michael Lee, President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, Mr. Walter von Känel, CEO of Longines, Mr. Kevin Rollenhagen, Managing Director of the Swatch Group, Mr. Aaron Kwok, Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Mr. Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM, and Ms. Fernanda Ameeuw, Ambassadress of Masters Grand Slam presented the grand prizes to the winners.
The first HKJC Junior Trophy was also held earlier today. Young riding talents competed in Grand Prix format of two competition rounds at the Junior Trophy. The competition was a precious chance for Hong Kong’s young and talented riders to compete at high level in their hometown. Hang Yuk Sham emerged as the champion of the HKJC Junior Trophy while Melinda, after winning yesterday’s Junior Challenge came second. Prizes were presented to the winners of the Junior Trophy by the Federation’s President, Mr. Michael Lee.
One of the most unforgettable moments was when the entire volunteer team lined up in celebration of the winners of the LONGINES Grand Prix, all the hard work and dedication were highly recognized by Mr. Michael Lee, the Federation’s President and Mr. Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM. The fifth edition of the LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong came to a splendid end after days of exciting competitions and sensational performances. The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation would like to thank all those who were involved in the LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong Without your great support, this event would not be possible.
