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Longines Masters and first Asia Horse Week put Hong Kong at forefront of equestrian sports development in region

02/11/2018

As top equestrian riders and administrators from all over the world prepared to head back to their home countries at the conclusion today (11 February) of the 2018 Longines Masters of Hong Kong, they were of one accord in hailing it as the most successful to date in the six years of this 5-star equestrian competition, with the Asia Horse Week conference having added an exciting new dimension to the event.
 
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the Founding Partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and Asia Horse Week. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Asia Horse Week, Club Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael T H Lee said that Asia Horse Week was indeed a landmark event for equestrian sports in Asia and the development of the sport globally. It brings stakeholders in the equestrian sports and industry from all over the world to Asia to share their expertise and experience and to create opportunities for collaborations.
 
Meanwhile, in today’s final feature event of the three-day contest at AsiaWorld-Expo, the Olympic-level Longines Grand Prix, France’s Patrice Delaveau, took top honours, overcoming 19 other top international riders to lift the trophy and put himself in a strong position to take the overall 2017/18 Masters title in New York in April. The Longines Masters of Hong Kong is the second leg of the series, widely known as the Indoor Grand Slam of Show Jumping, with Germany’s Daniel Deusser having won the opening leg in Paris in early December last year.
 
Patrice Delaveau added his praise for the Hong Kong event, saying the challenging course had helped make the contest very exciting, while the care and attention paid to the riders and their horses throughout the past week had been superb.
 
Also contested today was the two-round HKJC Junior Trophy, modelled on the Grand Prix, which saw members of the Club’s Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS) test their skills and gain competitive experience. It was won by JETS member Nathaniel Chan. Meanwhile, the HKJC Junior Challenge, held yesterday (10 February), was won by HKJC JETS member Oi Man Leung. The two JETS riders thanked the Club for giving their junior squad such a wonderful opportunity to learn from top international riders and strengthen their skills in a full-size arena.
 
In its role as Founding Partner, the Club provided horse transportation and veterinary services.  As a means of promoting equestrian sports in the local community, it also sponsored local students and residents to attend the event.
 
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.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the Founding Partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and Asia Horse Week. Club Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael T H Lee delivers his closing remarks at the closing ceremony of Asia Horse Week.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the Founding Partner of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong and Asia Horse Week. Club Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael T H Lee delivers his closing remarks at the closing ceremony of Asia Horse Week.

The Longines Grand Prix, the highest-level event in the competition, took place today and was won by Patrice Delaveau of France.
The Longines Grand Prix, the highest-level event in the competition, took place today and was won by Patrice Delaveau of France.

Photo 3, 4: Having gained invaluable experience from competing alongside top professionals in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, Members of the HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Lai (Photo 3) and Clarissa Lyra (Photo 4) thank the Club for its support, which enabled them to take part in this yeara£á?s competition.
Photo 3, 4: Having gained invaluable experience from competing alongside top professionals in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, Members of the HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Lai (Photo 3) and Clarissa Lyra (Photo 4) thank the Club for its support, which enabled them to take part in this yeara£á?s competition.


The HKJC Junior Trophy was won by HKJC JETS member Nathaniel Chan.
The HKJC Junior Trophy was won by HKJC JETS member Nathaniel Chan.

The HKJC Junior Challenge, held yesterday (10 February), was won by HKJC JETS team member Oi Man Leung.
The HKJC Junior Challenge, held yesterday (10 February), was won by HKJC JETS team member Oi Man Leung.

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