Building on its tradition of involvement in top equestrian events, Longines was a proud sponsor of the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge - the world's richest show jumping event, which was held at the Emirates Riding Centre, Dubai from January 11-13.
'Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge' was a three-day international show jumping event featuring the world’s top international competitors as well as other top riders in a variety of equestrian disciplines.
The prestigious event’s President and key patron was HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Chairperson of the Dubai Equestrian Club.
Each day featured afternoon and evening performances with two major show jumping classes in each. The event featured an Arab League World Cup Qualifier contested by riders from nine Arab countries. Other international classes showcased the world’s top 20 riders in show jumping who rode a series of challenging competitions leading up to the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge Grand Prix on the final evening.
Walter Von Kaenel, President of Longines, said: "Longines was privileged to have had the opportunity to support the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge and honour the memory of HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai. Equestrian sport was a great passion of Sheikh Maktoum, and this wonderful event was a perfect reflection of the tremendous contribution he has made to equestrian sport in the UAE and the world over.â€
At the Al Maktoum Challenge, Longines guests were thrilled by brilliant equestrian demonstrations including medieval jousting by the Knights of Arkley, and Genghis Khan horsemanship displays. Presentations of Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, Reining, Show Jumping and Vaulting also took place.
Longines’ commitment to show jumping is substantial. It plays a leading role in the FEI Super League events in Europe.
Longines also sponsored the 2005-2006 season of the Arab League World Cup Qualifier series, which comprised 11 show jumping competitions in Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, KSA, Syria and UAE.
Underscoring its growing commitment to equestrian sport, Longines expanded its growing family of Ambassadors in 2005 to include the top representatives of the sport.
Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd, the world's leading watch manufacturer and marketer with no fewer than 158 production sites in Switzerland.
Below are the final winners after the last day's competitions:
The FEI Arab League World Cup Qualifier:
1- Mohammed Osama El Borai (Egypt), riding Nirvana, clear in 38.51 for a prize of $30,000.
2- Khalid Al Eid (KSA), riding Lucky Star 42, clear in 41.37 for a prize of $18,000.
3- Karim EL Zoghbi (Egypt), riding Lenie, clear in 41.51 for a prize of $11,550.
Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge Grand Prix:
1- Jessica Kurten (Ireland), riding Quibell, clear in 38.22 for a prize of $250,000.
2- Marcus Ehning (Germany), riding Gitania 8, clear in 38.18 for a prize of $170,000.
3- Nick Skelton (Great Britain), riding Arko III, clear in 38.73 for a prize of $120,000.
