(Hong Kong 13 November 2015) – The Hong Kong return of the world’s most glamorous international equestrian series, the Longines Masters, was officially launched at a VIP reception in Central last night.

The world’s top international showjumpers and horses will again compete at the ‘Longines Masters of Hong Kong’ during three days of thrilling sporting action and entertainment from 19-21 February 2016 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Welcoming sponsors, partners and equestrian fans to the launch reception, Fabien Grobon, General Manager of Belgium-based EEM World, creator and organiser of the Longines Masters,



said: “Now in its fourth year, the Longines Masters of Hong Kong is firmly established as a major "must-go" sporting and social event in Asia. As the series continues to attract record- breaking attendances of sports fans, families and celebrities, the Longines Masters is living up to its fame as the world’s premier 5-star equestrian competition.”

Longines Masters fans were also delighted to hear the news that the 2016 event will also feature an Indoor Polo Exhibition Tournament presented by Shanghai Tang, marking the return of polo to Hong Kong for the first time in 30 years.

Inspired by Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, the Longines Masters is renowned among the world’s most prestigious equestrian showcases – bringing the best of showjumping, entertainment and glamour under one roof in three iconic cities across three continents.

Hong Kong is the third and final leg of the 2015/2016 season, which opened in Los Angeles in October and continues to Paris in early December.

Alongside world-class showjumping and artistic equestrian performances in the main competition ring, the Longines Masters of Hong Kong notches up the glamour with a chic programme in the ‘Prestige Village’. As well as hosting the Opening Gala and private concerts, this hub of backstage entertainment incorporates Master Classes by international riders, autograph sessions, a contemporary art exhibition, champagne and wine tastings, live DJ entertainment and a ‘Kids Club’.

The Masters Club by 2 Michelin-starred Chef Yves Mattagne will once again offer guests an outstanding gourmet experience of fine dining at the heart of the action with unrivalled views of the competition. VIP Tables for eight in an exclusive ringside location offer four full-service meals with complimentary wine & Champagne for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch & dinner and Sunday lunch priced from HK$50,000-70,000 – with all four sessions from HK$160,000- 200,000. A 20% discount is offered for ‘early bird’ reservations made by 1 December 2015.

Prestigious partner brands such as Longines, Massimo Dutti and Shanghai Tang will be featuring their latest collections, while the world’s leading makers of equestrian equipment will be present, including Hermès Sellier.

The 4th edition of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong features six elite international showjumping classes over three exciting days.

Friday evening is the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy with Hong Kong’s top jockeys challenged over a showjumping course for ‘The HKJC Race of the Riders’.

The Saturday is headlined by speed & skill with the Longines Speed Challenge. It is the only speed competition of its kind in the world – with an identical course over all three legs encouraging riders to improve on their speed from one continent to the next. Last year’s event in Hong Kong saw French rider Julien Epaillard beat world No. 1 Scott Brash by only a quarter of a second.

On Sunday, the final day, the show opens with the Massimo Dutti Trophy followed by the grand finale of the event: the Longines Grand Prix, which was won by legendary British rider John

Withaker last year. The winner of this 1.60m Olympic-level class will be eligible for the Masters Grand Slam Super Bonus.

The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2016 is once again supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, with major sponsors including, Shanghai Tang, Massimo Dutti and Mercedes.

To purchase tickets to The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2016, visit: www.longineshkmasters.com or http://venue.cityline.com