Hong Kong bade farewell to the Year of the Horse last weekend with the largest five-star international equestrian show jumping event in Asia. How appropriate!
The Longines Hong Kong Masters, hosted by EEM World, saw 25 of the globe’s greatest riders gather at Asia Expo between Feb. 13 and 15 for the third consecutive year.
The Asian leg of the Masters Grand Slam celebrated both the exciting sport and lavish lifestyle of the world of equestrianism.
Maikel Van Der Vleuten
VIP guests were given an exclusive opportunity to fully enjoy this exquisite experience with ringside dining catered by two-Michelin starred Belgian chef Yves Mattagne. Each day a new signature three course menu was elegantly served, with an extra hint of romance thrown in on Valentines Day, naturally.
In addition to the competition, guests were kept entertained with an assortment of enlightening equine performances.
A dressage demonstration gave audiences an enchanting glimpse into horse ballet (who knew?), the crowd watched as two local riders received an edifying lesson from the legendary Ludger BeerBaum, and a performance from Santi Serra offered an intimate look into the mystical bond between horse and rider.
Connected to the main arena, the Prestige Village comprised of a vast hall offering guests a complementary introduction to a world of sophistication, featuring boutiques from various luxury brands, including Lead Sponsor Gucci and, of course, Longines, the Title Sponsor and the Official Timekeeper.
In the centre of the Village, guests had the rare opportunity to watch ringside as the world-class riders warmed-up before competing.
There were six main competitive events over the course of three days, with the Longines Grand Prix serving as the grand finale on Sunday and boasting a USD700,000 (HKD5.4 million) prize.
Despite being set against some of the most exclusive names in the horse riding industry, including world number-one Scott Brash, acclaimed UK equestrian John Whitaker rode away champion, completing the course in a speedy 42.52 seconds.
One of the most distinctive elements of show jumping is that both men and women compete as equals, often remaining active and successful past the age of retirement. Proving this true at the remarkable age of 59, Whitaker received fewer than one penalty throughout the weekend.
World #1 Scott Brash
Only to praise Whitaker would be unfair, however, as show jumping is undeniably a team, of at least a pair, sport. The Brit was in synch with his majestic horse Argento, who trotted seemingly effortlessly to victory.
“Argento is in really good form,” gushed Whitaker about his 13-year-old partner. “He obviously likes Hong Kong.”
Words/Photos: Byrant Cheng and Andrea Bullen/Coconuts Media
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