Hong Kong (February 13, 2015): The atmosphere was electric amongst the sell-out crowd on the
opening night of the Longines Hong Kong Masters 2015, with world class rider Julien Epaillard bringing
home the top spot in the thrilling main competition of the evening; the Longines Speed Challenge.
Epaillard won the challenge, worth a total prize money of USD85,000, in a time of 59.81. In a tight
finish he beat off stiff competition from current FEI world number 1, the UK’s Scott Brash, who
completed the course in 60.06 seconds, just 0.25 seconds slower than Epaillard, and the Netherland’s
Gerco Schroder who landed a time of 60.38.
Epaillard is no stranger to success at the Longines Hong Kong Masters having won the opening class
last year. Tonight the 37-year-old Frenchman was riding 12-year-old gelding Pigmalion du Rozel and
was relieved to hold off a late challenge by UK rider Scott Brash on his 11-year-old mare Hello Annie.
Epaillard commented: ‘It was a big stress for me – I was fast but it’s always possible to be faster. Scott
Brash was the last to go and everyone knows he is super-fast!”
On the races still to come he commented: ‘I ride another horse in the Grand Prix on Sunday against
the best riders in the world. It won’t be easy, but I will try.’
Second place holder Scott Brash commented: ‘Julien was just too fast for me tonight, he did a fantastic
round. My horse did everything she could, I just need to be faster.’
He continued: ‘The Longines Hong Kong Masters is a fantastic event. It’s great to have such support
and the audience seems even better than the first time I came here. They know our sport and they
really get behind us. I hope they take up show jumping too.’
Walter von Kanel, President of Longines, expressed his support for the equestrian event: ‘Let me
congratulate the team from EEM World who organised the Masters. The Longines Hong Kong Masters
is probably one of the best competitions in the world.’
Earlier in the day The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Trophy opened the event and was expertly won
by young rider, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, with his horse PSG Future, achieving 65 points in 49.85
seconds. The pair appear to be on a winning streak having recently won the Longines Grand Prix at
the Gucci Paris Masters just last December.
In second place came Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano riding Caspar 232, also with 65 points, in a time of
50.66. And in an incredibly close third was the UK’s legendary John Whitaker, also with 65 points, at a
time of 51.96.
Prior to the HKJC Trophy the warm-up paddock saw next generation talent practice their skills as the
Hong Kong Hockey Club JETS (Junior Equestrian Training Squad) took part in a Masterclass session.
Photo : Julien Epaillard - Masters Grand Slam Press.
