Patrice Delaveau wins the Longines Grand Prix

The inaugural Longines Hong Kong Masters concluded tonight and has been heralded a great success by the general public, participants, and horse lovers.

Tonight the grand finale of three days of world-class competition, the Longines Grand Prix, captivated a full house at AsiaWorld-Expo, including Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aaron Kwok who was on hand to present the winning trophy to France’s Patrice Delaveau.

Riding Lacrimoso 3, Delaveau defeated 27 of the world’s best riders to win the USD 700,000 (approx. HKD 5,460,000) in a time of 43.06 seconds, Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker was second on Viking in a time of 45.86 seconds, and France’s Kevin Staut was third on Estoy Aqui de Muze in a time of 46.68 seconds.

“It’s been very good. I heard EEM is organising another one next year, so I can win more. I love being here. I feel comfortable in Hong Kong and I hope I can come back in the many years to come, “said Delaveau, who’s won two other competitions, including this morning’s Prix Poggenpohl and yesterday’s Gucci Gold Cup.

“I’m very happy for the success of Longines Hong Kong Masters. I want to thank EEM for organising the event, and the Hong Kong people for their strong support. For me, show jumping is fair play and today the riders clearly demonstrated fair play. I’m very excited of the future of show jumping in Asia in the years to come,“ said Mr. Walter Von Kanel, President of Longines

Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM World, the organiser of the Longines Hong Kong Masters and the creator of the Masters Grand Slam Indoor concept, announced that the event will return next year and be held from February 21 to 23, 2014.

“We’re delighted with the huge success of the first ever Longines Hong Kong Masters, and very pleased with the overwhelming support from the riders, our partners and all of the public. The Longines Hong Kong Masters has introduced top class show jumping to Asia, and we look forward to returning next year,” said Ameeuw.