EEM Announces Season III of the Longines Masters Series at Paris Press Conference

The Longines Masters of Paris will run from 30 November to 3 December at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center – hall 5B – parallel to the Salon du Cheval de Paris. This European stage marks the launch of the Longines Masters Series Season III, which will continue in Hong Kong from February 9-11, 2018, and—for the first time—in New York, April 26-29, 2018.

“Hosting equestrian sports on the world's finest stages - Paris, Hong Kong and New York - to keep them in the international spotlight is our everyday motivation,” stated Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM and Founder of the Longines Masters Series. That is precisely what happened today, when nearly 200 guests and media in attendance at the LIDO de Paris were treated to a one-of-a-kind show by the greatest figures from the equestrian world.

Pioneer and visionary Christophe Ameeuw and his team at EEM delighted the audience with a premium setting to start off the prestigious series’ third season: LIDO de Paris. The Paris Cabaret is partner to the Longines Masters of Paris, and the director of its show “Paris Merveilles” is none other than Franco-Dragone - an Artistic Partner to the Longines Masters on all three continents. These two natural partnerships of international reach gave an arena to their shared values: elegance, excellence and innovation.

Orchestrated like the most captivating of shows and staged with a twist and special effects, the press conference opened as though by magic with a horse show by horsewoman and equestrian artist Clémence Faivre. The exhibition was followed by a true-to-life TV set designed specifically for the occasion, with the entire conference shot and broadcast live for the first time on the new digital TV channel: EEM.tv.

Christophe Ameeuw and Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Masters Series over three continents, delivered the kick-off announcement of Season III of the Longines Masters Series.

 EEM looks forward to a Season III bursting with innovations which, once again, will shape the history of equestrian sports and their international development.   

Christophe Ameeuw and Juan-Carlos Capelli were able to showcase their dedication to equestrian sports and their partnership in developing the Longines Masters in Europe, Asia and America.

« With the EEM teams, we want to show our ability to innovate by proposing some simple, effective and media-friendly concepts as the Longines Speed Challenge, the Grand Slam Indoor or this new event the Riders Masters Cup » explains Christophe Ameeuw.

Juan-Carlos Capelli reminds us that « The implication of Longines in equestrian sports is historical as it started in 1878 already. The Longines Masters Series finds its place within the greatest sports events. The Longines Masters Series finds its place in those symbolic competitions. Paris will be the launch of this incredible series before Hong Kong and New York in 2018. We are happy to host for the first time our Elegance Ambassador and Asian star Chi Ling Lin that will assist the mythical of the Longines Speed Challenge.»

Each of the iconic cities—Paris, Hong Kong, and New York—will play a crucial role in the Longines Masters Series and overall in equestrian sports, attracting an ever larger audience than in previous years, explained Ameeuw:

-  The Longines Masters of Hong Kong, awarded the “Best Experience for a Professional Sporting Event,” will be home, from February 8-11 2018, to a never-before-seen event created by EEM: Asia Horse Week. A new rallying point for Asia's international equestrian community, Asia Horse Week symbolizes EEM's ambition to develop equestrian sports in this fast-growing region. « The Asia Horse Week will be the meeting point of the international equestrian community in Asia. It shows the ambition of EEM to develop the equestrian sports in this growing region. » explains Christophe Ameeuw.

-  The first edition of the Riders Masters Cup, a new team-based competition created by EEM with EEF (European Equestrian Federation) and with Longines as Founding Partner, will be the highlight of Paris and New York. The battle between the two powers in global show jumping—Europe and the United States—will unfold first in on December 2, 2017 at the Longines Masters of Paris and then on April 28, 2018 at the Longines Masters of New York.
« The Riders Masters Cup is an accessible competition for a wide audience by its concept already known in other sports fields. The duel United States against Europe will be the token of a high level competition in the equestrian world. » explained the Olympic Champion Pierre Durand, Ambassador of the Riders Masters Cup.

-  The American stage, set in Los Angeles up to now, will be moving in 2018 and premiering in New York, the city where anything is possible and unquestionably the world's global showcase for business and lifestyle. The event will dazzle visitors and New Yorkers alike April 26-29, 2018, at NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The international element of the Longines Masters Series will reach new heights this season with the launch of EEM.tv, on which viewers around the world will be able to follow every minute of competition at the Longines Masters and Riders Masters Cup live and free of charge. 

Two exceptional guests from the international riding community took part in the program this Tuesday: Michael Lee, President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, and Brianne Goutal, distinguished New York young rider and supporter of the Longines Masters Series. Both discussed the enthusiasm and eagerness shared by their communities as the upcoming Asian and U.S. stages of the Longines Masters Season III approaches.

The curtain goes up on the Longines Masters of Paris

The European stage in the series, the Longines Masters of Paris, will host no fewer than 200,000 visitors for its 9th edition with the Salon du Cheval de Paris, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. Jean-Luc Poulain, President of CENECA and President of the Salon du Cheval de Paris, came to the EEM.tv set to introduce the novelties that can be expected at the 46th edition of the Paris Horse Show. « 450 exhibitors, 2000 horses, 13 equestrian disciplines represented, 60 competitions during the week end including the great innovation, the XTREM TREC : such unforgettable experiences that will live the 140 000 attendees. » told us Jean-Luc Poulain. 

Coming together to bring out the best in sport:

The best riders in the Longines world rankings, including Olympic champions, world champions, and European champions, will take to the ethereal arena at the Longines of Paris to offer the audience four days of top-tier sport during the Masters One (5*) competitions. The young talent, former champions training their young horses, and the best amateur riders will not be forgotten, competing alongside the top in their field, under elite sport conditions, in the Masters Two (2*) and Masters Three (1*) events.

Sharing the sports highlights at the Longines Masters of Paris will be Olympic champions Pénélope Leprévost and Philippe Rozier, actor and rider Guillaume Canet and the talented Salim Ejnaini, who joined Christophe Ameeuw, Juan-Carlos Capelli and Jean-Luc Poulain on the set.

Some of the not-to-miss events in the sports line-up include:

The Longines Speed Challenge, with its unique three-stage course, in Paris, Hong Kong and New York, is the world's highest-speed competition. Seen by many as a World Speed Championship, the world’s fastest riders and horses will go head-to-head to see who will be able to beat the series’ record held by Kevin Staut. Friday, December 1st, 9:30 PM.

The Masters Power, introduced by LIDO de Paris, is a historical power contest (6-bars) updated for the modern day and improved with EEM's unique touch. This competition will show off the sheer power of the horses with jump heights that can exceed 2m. The Masters Power will open with blind rider Salim Ejnaini, who at last year's Paris event pulled off the impressive feat of competing in the same course as the world’s top riders. Knowing that passion for sports has no limit, Salim will ride the Masters Power course to support the association “Sur les Bancs de l’Ecole” and in so doing give children with autism the chance to see their dreams blossom into reality.  Saturday, December 2nd, 3:30 PM. « I am really proud to be the godfather of Salim that proves that with some will, nothing is impossible. By the way, he is a better horseman than some that don’t suffer from his handicap. » evocates Guillaume Canet.

The Riders Masters Cup: the first-ever competition of its kind, will pit against each other the best riders from Europe and America to wage a merciless battle, under the watchful eye of their team leaders, Philippe Guerdat and Robert Ridland. #WaveYourFlag, support your team on social media, on Saturday, December 2nd, 8:45 PM.

The Longines Grand Prix, the flagship event with the best horses and riders from around the world, will feature jump heights reaching 1.60m. Previous victor Belgian Grégory Whatelet will be putting his title up for grabs in Paris. The “Grand Slam Indoor” offers a €2,250,000 bonus to the rider who claims victory at the Longines Grand Prix in all three stages of the Longines Masters Series in Season III—a never-before-seen feat. Sunday, December 3rd, 2:45 PM.

Other sporting events you won’t want to miss include the Masters One Laiterie de Montaigu Friday at 6:15 PM, Masters One Salon du Cheval de Paris/Ceneca Saturday at 12:45 PM, and the Masters Two Land Rover Grand Prix Sunday at 10:45 AM

Share in the best of lifestyle and show! 

Once again this year, the Prestige Village will be home to the art of French living, thanks to pop-up boutiques from the Longines Masters of Paris partner brands, live events, performances and, of course, the must-attend after-parties. Serving as focal point of it all will be the Training Paddock, where audiences will be able to cast an admiring gaze at the horses—the true stars of the competition—in a prime setting.

« The lifestyle is part of our concept. Thanks to our partners, we propose the best of the sport of course but also of art, show and music and that what makes the difference with the other equestrian events. It’s especially the promise of an unforgettable moment.» explains Christophe Ameeuw.

Throughout the event’s four days, visitors will be able to take part in a wide range of experiences, from pleasures for the palate to lighthearted fun and an outstanding artistic line-up.

Get your taste buds dancing: At the Bar Lounge, food lovers will be able to enjoy one of the varied food offerings available, or savor a flute of Barons de Rothschild Champagne. One stand will also offer ice cream in the Italian tradition, from Laiterie de Montaigu.

In the Masters Club, set alongside the competition arena, guests will be able to order gastronomic creations to be served to their tables or private suites. 2* Michelin Chef Yves Mattagne will have even the most hard to please guests swooning with an exceptional lunch during the Longines Grand Prix.

Indulge: Shops throughout the Prestige Village will offer chic shopping amongst the greatest names in luxury, culture, beauty, fashion, design, automobiles and equestrian arts, including Longines, Land Rover, Institut Esthederm, TASCHEN, Devialet, Hermès Sellier, and of course the Longines Masters Official Boutique.

Come experience art in all its forms: Visitors will marvel at emblematic sculptures from Richard Orlinski, a longstanding partner of the Longines Masters, as well as by works from Catherine Thiry. On the performance stage, rider Clémence Faivre will offer hits from her new show, “Fuego,” while the street artists known as The Frogs will be ambling through the walkways of the Prestige Village to the delight of all generations.

A cultural line-up that would make other festivals green with envy!

Every evening, the Prestige Village will turn into a real-live festival, featuring an incredible line-up of “Afterparties - Concerts and DJ sets”. The Dutch DJ River Jaxx will get the festivities underway on Thursday evening, for Opening Night, setting the stage for the whole weekend.

Thursday evening, to celebrate the winners of the Longines Speed Challenge, the famed French duo Synapson will take to the stage for a Synapson AfterParty by Virgin Radio, performing an unforgettable set. 

On Saturday evening, on the heels of the first-ever Riders Masters Cup, Kid Noize, the young prodigy who has been setting the most famous festivals ablaze with a style all his own will… ! « The Man with The Monkey Face » reminds that “every big competition ends with a great party and I am honored to be its ceremony master”

Solidarity and the Longines Masters

For this third season, EEM and Longines will join forces on all continents to serve the cause of autism, supporting the association “Sur les bancs de L’école” in Paris. “Our aim is to make people aware of what this disability implies and let them know that solutions do exist, so that those with the condition can become self-sufficient at school and in everyday settings”, explained Anne Buisson, President of the Association “Sur les Bancs de l’Ecole", flanked by association ambassador Elephanz. On Saturday, December 2, throughout the day, attendees will be able to learn about the condition, meet members of the association and make donations. Unforgettable moments are in store with the association and thanks to the support of Longines, its Partner of Honour for the Longines Masters of Paris: a solidarity concert by the band Elephanz, Ambassador to the Association - special meet-ups and autograph sessions with sports champions and, of course, Salim Ejnaïni's exceptional participation in the Masters Power, dedicated to conveying the association’s message for inclusion.

View the complete Longines Masters of Paris line-up and upload the press kit, the posters and photos : here

For accreditation requests, ask at the event’s Newsroom: here

Practical Details - Longines Masters of Paris

November 30 - December 3, 2017

Hall 5B - Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center

Tickets available via: Longinesmasters.com

Hotline: 0892 390 209 (0.45 €/mn, direct call from France) Direct line open Mondays to Saturdays, 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM And at ticketing agencies and traditional points of sale.

ABOUT EEM

A passionate of equestrian sports, Christophe Ameeuw - CEO of EEM and Founder of the Longines Masters Paris-Hong Kong-New York Series - founded the Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes in 1997. Based in Belgium, the stables are internationally reputed for their activities in trading sport horses and high-standard breeding. They are also home to an offering some of the best teaching available in the field. In opening EEM, Christophe Ameeuw and his teams were in pursuit of a challenge: to reinvent show jumping by organizing equestrian events of an entirely new kind. The company built its development by creating the concept of the “Masters”, which together, under the same roof, the best of show-jumping, resplendent displays and art de vivre. After the successes of the Audi Masters in Brussels and the Gucci Masters in Paris, EEM came out with one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, the Longines Masters Series, on three continents, in Paris, Hong Kong and New York. Inspired by the Grand Slam in Tennis, EEM created a concurrent “Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping”, approved by the FEI, this intercontinental challenge is offered to the world's elite in show jumping, with two bonus levels: The Super Grand Slam - a €2,250,000 super bonus for the three consecutive wins in the Longines Grand Prix, in the season order -  The Grand Slam - a €1,000,000 bonus for three successive victories at Longines Grand Prix straddling two Longines Masters seasons.

In 2017, EEM will be creating a new iconic competition, the Riders Masters Cup. Offered to the public alongside the EEF (European Equestrian Federation) and alternating between Europe and the United States, this battle will pit the world's two leading powers in show jumping against one another: Europe and the United States. On the Asian continent, “Asia Horse Week”, rallying point for the international equestrian community there, also serves as a prime setting for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, illustrating EEM's determination to develop the sport's international arms in the Asia-Pacific Region. Firmly set on putting equestrian sports front and center and making them accessible to all, EEM rolled out a new digital TV channel on November 14, 2017. EEM.tv offers viewers the chance to follow live and free of charge all EEM events worldwide.

For more information, visit www.eemworld.com

ABOUT THE LONGINES MASTERS

Set in the three of the world's most emblematic metropolises - Paris, Hong Kong and New York - the Longines Masters series is recognized as one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian world. Created by EEM and inspired by the Tennis Grand Slam, the series quickly expanded their international reach (Hong Kong in 2013, Los Angeles in 2014). In 2015, the inter-continental trilogy turned into the Longines Masters Series.  Alongside it, EEM created the “Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping”, approved by the FEI, the Grand Slam Indoor is the ultimate challenge for the world's elite in show jumping, with two levels of bonus :The Super Grand Slam: a bonus of 2.25 million Euros for winning 3 consecutive Longines Grand Prix in the same season. The Grand Slam: a bonus of 1 million Euros for three successive victories in the Longines Grand Prix from one season to the next. The TV broadcast of the Longines Masters Series reachers, to over 120 countries, almost 320 million households, a coverage increased this year by the launch of EEM.tv, the new digital channel of EEM. It allows everybody to freely livestream the all competition and events during the four days. Save the date : Paris 2017 : November 30^th – December 3^rd Hong Kong 2018 : February 9^th – February 11^thNew-York : April 26^th – April 29^th

For more information, see www.longinesmasters.com

ABOUT LONGINES

Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland since 1832, the watch-maker Longines can lay claim to know-how honed through tradition, elegance and high-performance. Its long-lasting involvement in sports' timekeeping at world championships and as partner to international federations has helped Longines develop solid, lasting bonds with the world of sport. Renowned for the elegance of its timekeeping devices, Longines is a member of Swatch Group SA, the world's leading maker of time-keeping products. With a winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand is established in over 150 countries.

Site : www.longines.com - Email : publicrelations@longines.com