The Longines Masters of Hong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious five-star equestrian events, returns to the city next month – and this year it will be complemented by the inaugural Asia Horse Week conference, bringing together over 60 representatives from leading equestrian federations, regional horse clubs and the equine industry from more than 15 countries and regions. With The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) as Founding Partner, it will take place from 8 to 11 February at AsiaWorld-Expo.

At a press conference held today (19 January) to announce details of the twin events, the HKJC’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges described the Asia Horse Week as a landmark for equestrian sports in Asia and the development of the sport globally.  “As a Founding Partner of the Asia Horse Week, we are delighted to support and make possible the first of what we hope will be many such conferences,” he said.  “For up-and-coming federations and riding clubs it will provide a vital insight into the highest level of equestrian sports.  For long-established federations, it will be a window into the fast-developing world of Asian equestrian sports – especially with Tokyo hosting the equestrian events of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.”

EEM CEO, founder and organiser of the Longines Masters Series and the Asia Horse Week, Christophe Ameeuw, said the addition of the Asia Horse Week embodied EEM’s aspiration to develop equestrian sports in this fast-growing region. “It serves both as a prime setting for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and an annual meeting point for the equestrian world, with speakers from major European and Asian equestrian federations as well as industry experts sharing insights into various equestrian-related topics,” he said. 

The opportunity to widen local interest in equestrian sports was also warmly welcomed by Hong Kong Equestrian Federation President Michael Lee. “The sixth edition of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong will take place from February 9-11 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. This unique event which combines top equestrian competitions with fashion, arts and entertainment continues to gain popularity in the region. This year will also mark the inauguration of the Asia Horse Week. This is a landmark event that brings stakeholders in the equestrian sports and industry from all over the world to Asia to share their expertise and experience,” he said.

Chairman of the Asia Horse Week Raphael Le Masne de Chermont noted that the conference would capitalise on the synergies of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and reinforce its attractiveness for visitors from the Asia-Pacific region. “It will bring together the key players, experts, riders and influencers from mature equestrian nations and emerging equestrian markets in Asia to bridge interests, expertise and craft business opportunities between the region and the rest of the world,” said Mr de Chermont. He added that the conference would also position Hong Kong as the leading International Equestrian Hub in Asia.

After Paris and before New York, the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, Asian leg of the Grand Slam Indoor of Show jumping will include the Longines Grand Prix – an Olympic level competition –　as well as the Longines Speed Challenge, the HKJC Trophy, the novel HKJC Race of the Riders and special events for local junior riders.

Two current members of the HKJC Equestrian Team, Jacqueline Lai and Clarissa Lyra, will represent Hong Kong in the Longines Masters.  Jacqueline, who progressed from the HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS), was a medal-winner for Hong Kong at the 2010 Asian Games and 2009 and 2013 National Games, while Clarissa, another JETS graduate, was a medallist at the 2017 National Games.

At another Longines Masters event on 10 and 11 February, members of the JETS will test their skills in the HKJC Junior Challenge and HKJC Junior Trophy.

Major highlights on the opening day, Friday 9 February, will be the HKJC Trophy and a special challenge called the HKJC Race of the Riders, a relay race in which four Hong Kong-based jockeys – Neil Callan, Vincent Ho, Derek Leung and defending champion Joao Moreira – will each partner a leading international equestrian rider.  Today’s press conference also featured the draw for this unique and eagerly-awaited event.  Callan will team up with Simon Delestre, Ho with Clarissa Lyra, Leung with Jacqueline Lai and Moreira with Reed Kessler.

As another means of promoting equestrian sports in the local community, the Club is once again sponsoring some 1,600 local students and less privileged residents to attend the competition.　Members of the public will be able to learn more about the Longines Masters through online games https://campaign.hkjc.com/fs/hkmaster/en-game.aspx.  Winners will have the opportunity to receive tickets to the Longines Masters.

From its roots as a horse racing and riding club established in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has played a major role in the city’s equestrian sports development over the years. Its public riding schools, which opened in the 1970s, now attract some 60,000 local visitors of all ages each year to learn riding skills and horse care. Equestrian sports gained in popularity following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, held in Hong Kong with the Club’s support. The HKJC Equestrian Team and HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad were established by the Club in the same year with the aim of developing the potential of Hong Kong’s most talented riders. Several of its members have since won medals in international competitions. The Club also launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in 2016. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture Hong Kong’s high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.

About EEM
With a passion for equestrian sports, Christophe Ameeuw - Founder and CEO of EEM - created the Ecuries d'Ecaussinnes in 1997. Based in Belgium, the stables today enjoy an international reputation for the trade of sport horses, high-end breeding, and an academy giving access to the best in equestrian training. The organization, as well as the reinvention of show jumping competitions is the challenge that Christophe Ameeuw and his team have set for themselves. EEM headquarters are located in the heart of Ecaussinnes Stables, where the team continues its quest to develop equestrian sports further.  Inspired by the Grand Slam of tennis, EEM brings together under one roof the best of show jumping, entertainment and lifestyle experience. After the successes of the Audi Masters in Brussels, and the Gucci Masters in Paris, EEM has set out to conquer new continents and has since developed the Longines Masters Series internationally. This “Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping” spanning over three continents in Paris, Hong Kong and New York, is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. In 2017, EEM created a new iconic competition alongside with the EEF (European Equestrian Federation), the Riders Masters Cup and on the Asian continent, the “Asia Horse Week”, a rallying point for the international sporting community. For more information, visit www.eemworld.com