This CSI 5* event is set over a 1m 60cm course of 14 fences. A maximum of 12 riders may take part in the final (second) round based on penalties and time recored in the opening round. The start order of the final is set in reverse order of penalties and time in the first round. The winner and placegetter results are based on accumulated penalties of both rounds and the time of the second round only.
In 2013 the Longines Grand Prix was won by Frenchman Patrice Delaveau on Lacrimoso 3. Delaveau is currently ranked number six in the world and is expected to be hard to beat again this year.
Last year he thrilled audiences in a time of 43.06 sec to just hold out UK legend Michael Whitaker (2nd) and French champion Kevin Staut (3rd).
The win capped off a remarkable show for Delaveau who almost made it a clean sweep of the show’s major competitions.
Delaveau’s brilliant performance inspired Longines Ambassador of Elegance and Hong Kong film and music star Aaron Kwok who presented the winner and placegetters each with a Longines time piece to say afterwards ;
"It is was absolutely brilliant to watch."
Kwok had never watched a Grand Prix show jumping event before and was in awe of the precision and speed of the riders and their horses under such immense pressure. Aaron Kwok will be cheering again for the riders and give away the coveted prize to the winners.
The 2014 Longines Grand Prix is the grand finale of the Longines Hong Kong Masters and will take place on Sunday February 23 from 3pm.