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.
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.
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: