May 17, 2017: (NEW YORK, NEW YORK): The Longines Masters Series held a special presentation this evening overlooking New York City skyscrapers at Salon de Ning at the Peninsula Hotel to announce new developments for the prestigious international show jumping Grand Slam series. Elite New York equestrians Ariana Rockefeller, Mario & Lisa Deslauriers, Katie Dinan and Reed Kessler joined 2017 Longines FEI World Cup Champion, McLain Ward to celebrate the events move to its new home in New York.
Before unveiling this season’s new poster series, designed by the Bangkok born-New York based artist, Sirichai, Christophe Ameeuw, CEO and Founder of EEM, creators and owners of the Longines Masters, and Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing took the stage to announce the renewal of the partnership between the Longines Masters organizers and the brand. The respective brand leaders toasted to many years of continued success together in a move that extends Longines status as Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the world’s leading indoor show jumping competition for the foreseeable future.
“Longines is really delighted to share its passion for equestrian sport and its values of elegance, performance and tradition with the Longines Masters”, said Juan-Carlos Capelli. “With this new long-term partnership, we are looking forward to working with EEM to continue elevating the equestrian sport and creating exceptional events on three continents, and especially in the new location in New York”, continued the Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing. “As Official Timekeeper of the whole series, we are proud to provide a decisive element for the sport: the time.”
The Longines Masters shares the glitz and glamour from its origin city of Paris around the world as it has expanded into three of the world’s most luxurious, bustling capital cities: Paris, Hong Kong, and now New York. Previously held in Los Angeles, the American leg of the competition will now serve as the grand finale of the series. The Longines Masters of New York at the newly renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum will offer unparalleled first-class sport, live music, one-of-a-kind artwork, delectable cuisine, and more. Just as Paris began the journey in 2009, the city will now kick off each new season of the Longines Masters Series. The heart-pounding action of Season Three starts in December in Paris before heading to Hong Kong in February and culminating in New York in April 2018.
Christophe Ameeuw emphasized his continued commitment to the sport and to the partnership with Longines: “My dream was to dare to be different, to take the equestrian sport that I love so much and raise it to new heights by creating a unique concept that combines the most elite show jumping with art, lifestyle, luxury, gastronomy and entertainment all under one roof for a truly cultural experience. Thanks to the continued support of Longines as Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Masters, this dream is a reality.” Speaking of the series’ new location.
Christophe Ameeuw continued, “We are so appreciative of our time in Los Angeles and all of the people that made the American leg a success through the years. We are excited and proud to bring the event to New York, expanding the Longines Masters experience from coast to coast.”
While discussing the event at the Longines boutique in the World Trade Center Oculus in New York, Georgina Bloomberg remarked, “I’m used to traveling around the U.S. and Europe for show jumping competitions. With the Longines Masters Series coming to New York, I am excited to be able to compete in my own backyard and to welcome the world’s top riders to my hometown. Every year I enjoy competing at the Longines Masters with its high-level competition and overall luxury and prestige. I am looking forward to seeing how the event will grow and adapt in its new location.”
Recent Longines FEI World Cup Champion McLain Ward enthusiastically shared, “The Longines Masters Series has always provided highly competitive, world-class events in Paris, Hong Kong, and most recently Los Angeles. As a local New Yorker, I am thrilled this event is moving to New York! It is a great opportunity to showcase the best in Show Jumping in one of the best cities in the world!”
The Longines Masters of Hong Kong was recently named “Best Live Experience at a Professional Sporting Event” by the Sports Industry Awards in Asia (SPIA). The award, which honors the quality of events’ sports and lifestyle experiences, was previously won by Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in 2015. After five years in Hong Kong, EEM announced that the Asia Horse Week will bring an expo of new equestrian exhibitors to the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, the first of its kind in Asia.
The event will unite lovers of all aspects of the equestrian world together under one roof and create a meeting point for the key players from multiple disciplines of equestrian sports and business. This will serve as a platform to share knowhow & expertise and opportunities between Asia, Europe and the Americas and help grow equestrianism in the region.