The official Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Longines Hong Kong Masters took place in the Prestige Village with EEM Asia Vice President Matthieu Gheysen explaining that the success of the inaugural event would definitely extend to 2014. Hong Kong Equestrian Federation President, Simon Ip expressed his delight to be involved with the second edition of the show and that this important association would enhance the development of equestrian sport in Hong Kong.

Joining them for the official ribbon cutting ceremony was Mr Godfrey Leung, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Karen Au Yeung, Vice-President of Longines Hong Kong, Allen Ha, CEO AsiaWorld-Expo, Kenneth, Fok, from the Major Sports Event Committee and Fernanda and Christophe Ameeuw, the CEO of EEM World and founder of the event.

More than 50 media attended the gathering along with many Hong Kong VIPs, international riders, event partners and exhibitors and for the first time ever they had the chance to walk the course. This was a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of  Edwina Tops-Alexander, Kenneth Cheng, Michael Whitaker, Roger-Yves Bost and Patrice Delaveau, and a chance to truly appreciate the brilliant precision and skill that is needed to compete in show jumping at the highest level. Guests also gained a real perspective on just how high the fences are.

In a novel addition to the list of activities at this year’s Longines Hong Hong Masters, the general public will be invited to walk the course on the Saturday and Sunday sessions of the competition.

The first day of competition starts tomorrow with the highlight being the Longines Speed Challenge which starts at 9:30pm.

The Prestige Village will open at 6:30pm and the first competition of the evening, the Hong Kong M Mark Trophy (Table A against the clock) starts at 7:15pm.