Hong Kong Masters

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Hong Kong Masters - Longines
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Immense succès pour la première édition des Longines Hong Kong Masters

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Press release

 

First edition of the Longines Hong Kong Masters: an amazing success

Hong Kong (Hong Kong) / Saint-Imier (Switzerland), March 3rd 2013. During three days, the best international riders have competed at the Asia World Expo at the prestigious Longines Hong Kong Masters. Ukrainian rider Katharina Offel riding Olivia de Nantuel has won the Longines Speed Challenge held on Thursday February 28th. They have completed this breathtaking challenge in 64.61 seconds. The Grand Prix Longines, highlight of the event was held on Saturday March 2nd and has been won by Patrice Delaveau riding Lacrimoso 3 HDC. Longines Ambassador of Elegance and passionate horse lover, Aaron Kwok was present to witness this great show. The Swiss watch brand Longines was the proud title sponsor and official timekeeper of the first edition of this exciting show-jumping event.


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The podium of the Longines Grand Prix: Kevin Staut (FRA), Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Michael Whitaker (U.K.) © Longines

Longines is pleased to have been title partner of Asia's first and only CSi 5* indoor show jumping event, the Longines Hong Kong Masters. During three exciting action days, the top international riders have competed at Asia Word Expo in Hong Kong. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, the event had received the prestigious M Mark by Hong Kong's Major Sport Event Committee.

These three days of show have met all expectations. On Thursday, the exciting Longines Speed Challenge has been won by Katharina Offel (Olivia de Nantuel) in 64.61 seconds. The concept of this competition has been created in 2010 by EEM World. The competitors have to achieve the best time, while every bar knocked down adds a 2 second penalty. The winner is, therefore, the pairing that is both the quickest and the most precise. The format of the event ensures complete suspense and is very attractive to the public, who can follow the time achieved by the competitors in real time. Since they know the best time only as the competitors leave the arena, each spectator can cheer on their favorite rider up to the end of the round.

 

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On Saturday, the Longines Grand Prix was a perfect closure to this prestigious event. In the first round, riders had to complete a course boasting 1.6 m fences. The best 15 riders, with no penalties, went on to compete in the second round against the clock. French rider Patrice Delaveau (Lacrimoso 3 HDC) has won this CSI 5*. Michael Whitaker (Viking) from the U.K. arrived second and French rider Kevin Staut (Estoy Aqui de Muze HDC) third. A fervent horse lover, Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aaron Kwok attended this day of sport and action.

 

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As title partner of the Longines Hong Kong Masters, the famous Swiss watchmaker is proud to provide its long-lasting timekeeping expertise for this event. Longines' passion for equestrian sport dates back to 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount. Seen on the racetracks as early as 1881 and extremely popular among jockeys and horse-lovers, this model enabled its user to time performances to the seconds. It was already being used by most sport judges in New York in 1886. In addition, the brand was involved for the first time in the Concours Hippique International Officiel de Genève as timekeeper in 1926. Today Longines' involvement in equestrian sports includes, besides show-jumping, flat racing and endurance competitions. The brand recently signed a historic agreement with the FEI and will be FEI's first Top Partner as well as Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the FEI. True to its slogan “Elegance is an attitude”, the brand shares with equestrian sports the values of precision, performance and tradition. With its timeless and sporty look, the new collection of Longines, Conquest Classic represents the perfect embodiment of the sport beauty during these three thrilling days.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. Longines has generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships and as partner of international sports federation. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World's leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.

 

 

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