The third edition of the Longines Hong Kong Masters (LHKM) falls on The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 130th Anniversary this year, making it a unique and momentous occasion in Asia’s sporting and social calendar. LHKM will host part of the Club’s celebration with a number of spectacular events throughout the three-day international in-door show jumping event.

 

Most excitingly, the Longines Hong Kong Masters, and the Club, have created the “Hong Kong Jockey Club 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders”, a never-seen-before competition that pairs together Hong Kong’s top jockeys with the world’s top show jumping riders, to compete in a challenging show jumping course, against the clock.

 

The competition will follow immediately after “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy” on Friday, February 13 with jockeys; Joao Moreira, Zac Purton, Matthew Chadwick and Neil Callan all competing to win. They will be partnered with their ‘coaches’, international riders; Raena Leung, Kevin Staut, Scott Brash and Ludger Beerbaum.

 

The most noteworthy partnering in the HKJC 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders will be the two Hong Kong-born stars; renowned jockey, Matthew Chadwick and this year’s Hong Kong LHKM representative, Raena Leung.

Matthew Chadwick comments: “This challenge will take me completely outside of my comfort zone. The skills needed to show jump successfully such as precise timing, balance and flexibility, are very different to a jockeys. We concentrate on speed. Raena will be coaching me before the race - I hope to do her proud!”

 

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said: “The Longines Hong Kong Masters is only three years old, but is already the leading show jumping competition in Asia. We are delighted to be involved again this year. The beauty of a world class international show jumping event such as this, is that it brings growing attention towards equestrian sports here in Hong Kong and indeed Asia. As part of our 130th anniversary celebrations we are demonstrating our thanks to equestrian followers by sponsoring the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy and the HKJC 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders. The latter is the first time a race of this kind has taken place at LHKM and we are looking forward to seeing whether Hong Kong’s best Jockeys can adapt their skill sets!”

 

EEM World CEO, Christophe Ameeuw shares similar sentiment and is thrilled to see this new addition to The Longines Hong Kong Masters this year. “The HKJC 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders » will see four of Hong Kong’s leading jockeys compete against the best show jumping riders in a battle of speed over the same course design as the Longines Speed Challenge at a height of 75cm. This promises to be a thrilling spectacle and will give jockeys a chance to try their horsemanship skills beyond the racetrack.”

 

The Club is furthering its partnership with the Longines Hong Kong Masters through other exciting activities in the run up to the main event. Including the organization of world top ranking show jumping rider, Hong Kong Masters competitor and MBE, Scott Brash’s visit to the Happy Valley Races on Wednesday, February 11 and a private coaching session between renowned local jockeys and the international elite riders taking place on Thursday, February 12 at the media preview.

 

The Longines Hong Kong Masters is honoured to have had the Club as an official sponsor of the event since its inception in 2013, and is delighted to again have the Club provide a number of professional services to support the event including veterinary support, horse transportation and stables management.