The LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club as Founding Partner, saw its final day of competition at AsiaWorld-Expo today (12 February).
Jacqueline Lai, a member of the HKJC Equestrian team, competed against more than 20 leading riders from around the world. Meanwhile, junior riders from the HKJC Equestrian Training Squad (JETS) had the chance to experience the competition atmosphere and test their skills in two newly established junior events.
The Masters of Hong Kong – one of the world’s most prestigious five-star show jumping competitions – is the finale of the LONGINES Masters series, widely known as the “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping”. Previous legs were held in Los Angeles and Paris. Hong Kong’s event was broadcast in 120 countries, reaching up to 550 million households. Today’s feature competition, the Olympic-level “LONGINES Grand Prix” saw Christian Alhmann from Germany overcome more than 20 international riders to win the trophy. Christian Alhmann said, “To my mind, Asia is the next big frontier for the development of equestrian sport, so it’s very encouraging to see the Hong Kong leg of the LONGINES Masters going from strength to strength each year, and the Jockey Club doing so much to promote the sport.”
Two junior tournaments were added to this year’s programme for members of the HKJC JETS to test their skills and gain experience. The two-round and Grand Prix formatted HKJC Junior Trophy took place today and was won by JETS member Sham Hang-yuk. Meanwhile the HKJC Junior Challenge, held yesterday (11 February), was won by HKJC JETS member Melinda Ma. After seeing the performance of Squad members, Edwina Tops-Alexander, one of Australia’s top female riders who judged the competition said, “I think it’s really good to see The Hong Kong Jockey Club taking the initiative to support the development of young equestrian riders – I’m sure we’ll be seeing some international stars emerging from here before too long.”
This was the fifth consecutive year for The Hong Kong Jockey Club to sponsor the Masters of Hong Kong. This included the HKJC Trophy and HKJC Race of Riders on the opening day (10 February). In addition, the Club provided horse transportation, veterinary services, course design and site management services in its capacity as the event’s Founding Partner. It also again sponsored about 1,600 local students and less privileged members of the community to attend the competition.
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, 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 King’s most talented riders. Several members have already won medals in international competition. 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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The LONGINES Grand Prix, the highest-level event in the competition, took place today and was won by Christian Alhmann of Germany.
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After finishing all competitions in this yeara£á?s LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong, Member of the HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Lai thanked the Club for its long-term support, which enabled her to take part in this yeara£á?s competition.
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The HKJC Junior Trophy, a new event this year, was won by HKJC JETS member Sham Hang-yuk.
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The HKJC Junior Challenge, held yesterday (11 February), was won by HKJC JETS team member Melinda Ma.
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As a Founding Partner of the Masters of Hong Kong, the Club provided professional support, including course design, horse transportation, veterinary and site management services.
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