The LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong 2017, one of the world’s most prestigious five-star equestrian events, is taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February. In this evening’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy, Martin Fuchs from Switzerland overcame strong competition from 26 leading world riders to take top honours. Meanwhile, the highlight of the night, the HKJC Race of the Riders, which combines the sporting disciplines of horse racing and show jumping, was won by “Team Magic” of jockey Joao Moreira paired with rider Roger-Yves Bost of France.
The LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong is the final round of the Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping, following earlier legs in Los Angeles and Paris, and has been supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club since its inauguration in 2013. Speaking at last night’s (10 February) event, Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip said: “(In show jumping), horse and rider must work in perfect partnership if they are to navigate the jumps and beat the clock. And indeed for the Club, we see our partnership with the community in very similar terms – Club and community working together for the betterment of Hong Kong.”
The Club invited 1,600 local students and less-privileged members of the community to attend yesterday’s (10 February) events free of charge. Dr Ip said he hoped the experience would help nurture local interest in equestrian sport and inspire an appreciation for horses. To further inspire them, and to enable them to experience the ambience of the venue and the challenges faced by riders, 20 young people walked the show jumping course in a special “Full Stride Ahead” session hosted by Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip and Club Steward and President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee.
The HKJC Trophy, contested for the fourth year, was divided into two rounds, with the best 12 riders advancing to the final. In the end, Martin Fuchs from Switzerland claimed this prestigious title. “Everything about the Hong Kong leg of the Masters is so impressive – the smooth stabling and transportation of the horses, the enthusiasm of the audience and the effort that the Jockey Club puts into getting all sections of the community involved. It’s just great for our sport, horses, riders and grooms,” said winning rider Martin Fuchs.
The HKJC Race of the Riders, now in its third year, brought together four jockey and equestrian rider pairs: Team Magic (Roger-Yves Bost of France and Joao Moreira), Team Blaze (current world No. 1 Daniel Deusser of Germany and Neil Callan), Team Flames (Simon Delestre of France and Derek Leung) and Team Hong Kong (Jacqueline Lai and Vincent Ho).
After the first round, the two fastest teams, namely “Team Magic” and “Team Blaze”, advanced to the final, where “Team Magic” clocked up the fastest time to clinch the title. “This is the third time I’ve competed in the Race of the Riders and the second time I’ve been in the winning team, so my win percentage is actually better than on the racetrack! It’s a very innovative idea from the Jockey Club and a lot of fun. I really enjoy this event – it’s a very different experience for the jockeys and great entertainment for the fans,” said winning jockey Joao Moreira.
As a world-class horse racing organisation, the HKJC has been a long-term supporter of equestrian sport in Hong Kong. Early in 1950s, the Club established equestrian facilities at Beas River to train local equestrian riders. 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 became even more popular following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, 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 members have already won medals in international competitions. To further enhance the capabilities of local riders, the Club launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in January 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
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a not-for-profit enterprise dedicated to community betterment. Through its integrated business model of world-class racing, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charity and community contribution, the Club generates substantial economic and social value and assists the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2015/16 the Club donated a record HK$3.9 billion to charity and paid a record HK$20.9 billion in tax. It is Hong Kong’s largest single tax payer and one of the world’s largest charity donors. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
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Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip thanks jockeys and equestrian riders for participating in the LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong.
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Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip (second left) and Club Steward and President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee (first right) present the HKJC Trophy to Martin Fuchs (first left) from Switzerland.
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Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip (third right) and Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (second left) present prizes to the winners of the HKJC Race of the Riders, jockey Joao Moreira (third left) and French rider Roger-Yves Bost (second right).
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Jockey Joao Moreira of Team Magic wins the HKJC Race of the Riders.
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To share the excitement of the Masters, the Club has sponsored 1,600 local students and less-privileged members of the community. Hosted by Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip and Club Steward and President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee, some of them had the opportunity to experience the ambience of the venue and the challenges faced by riders.
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