NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum opened its doors on Thursday, April 26, to kick off the debut of the Longines Masters of New York, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Drawing over 120 of the world’s top riders for four days of elite show jumping competition, the Longines Masters of New York is the grand finale of Season III, the international Longines Masters Series, which takes place in Paris, Hong Kong, and now New York. For the next three days, the event will treat guests to adrenaline-charged sport, luxury shopping, haute cuisine, one-of-a-kind artwork, and more.
This evening, the local dominance continued as the lineup of riders who will represent their nation in the brand-new duel-style Riders Masters Cup on Saturday, April 28, was announced, with four of the five riders competing for the USA from the tri-state area. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, Georgina Bloomberg, McLain Ward, Adrienne Sternlicht, two-time Olympian Laura Kraut and four-time Olympian and 2018 Longines FEI World Cup champion Beezie Madden will represent Riders USA. Riders Europe Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat selected Kevin Staut, Olivier Philippaerts, Gregory Wathelet, Peder Fredericson and Harrie Smolders to defend Riders Europe’s win at the Longines Masters of Paris.
“Today marks a milestone for the Longines Masters Series as we celebrate our new home for the American leg of the series, the Longines Masters of New York,” said Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM and Founder of the Longines Masters Series. “Already on the first day of the event, we have seen some incredible riding and know that the next three days will continue to bring show-stopping performances. We also witnessed the official team announcements and draw for the Riders Masters Cup teams, setting the stage for Riders USA to seek redemption against Riders Europe and claim victory on their home soil.”
Speed Master McLain Ward Scores New York Win
With three Olympic medals to his name, 2017 World Cup champion McLain Ward (USA) proved why he is at the top of the sport at the Longines Masters of New York. Forty-four starters attempted to be the fastest over the speed course set for the Masters One Vestrum-Italy 1.45m, but it wasn’t until the penultimate entry of Ward and HH Callas that the winner was revealed. With a time of 58.62 seconds, Ward shot to the top of the leaderboard with the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Double H Farm, claiming victory over Olivier Philippaerts (BEL). It was serious business for the 24-year-old Belgian, who guided Goofy van T Laerhof, owned by his father, four-time Olympian Ludo Philippaerts, to the runner-up position in 60.12 seconds. Making it a true international podium, Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Cornwall BH took third in 61.82 seconds.
“It is an exciting new event and a great arena; I really hope it grows into something very special,” said Ward, who is able to commute to the inaugural Longines Masters of New York from his home in nearby Brewster, NY. “Callas is here to compete and she’s aiming for the Longines Speed Challenge class on Friday night. She’s a seasoned, quick horse. She can do it all!”
The 2018 Longines Masters of New York will continue over the next three days at the NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The jam-packed weekend includes something for everyone, including unparalleled sport, musical performances, breathtaking art exhibits, rider meet-and-greets, luxury shopping, and much more. As the show opens to the public on Friday, April 27, the exclusive Masters Club will offer guests an opportunity to enjoy a curated menu by Long Island-native celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso.
Over the course of the event, the Prestige Village will continue to offer the ultimate shopping experience, showcasing a variety of equestrian tastes and styles from the world’s leading luxury brands. Longines, the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the series, will highlight the Official Watch of the Longines Masters of New York, the Conquest V.H.P. “Very High Precision” model, along with many other timepieces at the Longines Boutique. Between classes, spectators could browse Hermès Sellier’s latest collection, the new Automobili Lamborghini Urus, and exquisite handbags from Mark Cross, the oldest American luxury brand and original saddle maker. Riders, both professional and amateur, tried the latest in equestrian fashion with items from longtime partners and leading brands such as Kingsland, Equis, Romitelli Boots, Equis Boutique and LA Saddlery, as well as newcomers, like recently launched Vestrum Italy and New York-based Free x Rein.
Highlights of the event still to come include Friday’s Longines Speed Challenge, the World’s Fastest Class; the Riders Masters Cup, the transatlantic battle between USA and Europe; Masters POWER, a high jump competition; and U25 Grand Prix on Saturday; and the pinnacle of show jumping competition, Sunday’s Longines Grand Prix of New York, the American Grand Slam of the Series.
The Longines Masters of New York continues through Sunday, April 29. Watch via live-stream on EEM.tv, a free digital equestrian sports channel broadcasting all of the action.
For full information on the 2018 Longines Masters of New York, visit www.longinesmasters.com.
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