Behind the Scenes at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles

Photo Credit: Eric Charbonneau/REX Shutterstock

Longines Masters of Los Angeles brought glamour, prestige, and fun combined with top level show jumping and entertainment to the Los Angeles Convention Center over the weekend.

The evening featured two renowned classes: the Gucci Gold Cup for the first time at the American leg of the series and a signature event in the Longines Masters, the Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition.

Bill Gates, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa cheered on their daughters along with Camilla Belle, Jeannie Mai, Carly Steel, Alison Sweeney, Jean Claude Van Damme and many more throughout the day.

The inaugural Gucci Gold Cup at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles showcased the power and glamour of the sport as 36 of the world’s best riders jumped the course designed by Luc Musette. Already a favorite at the Hong Kong leg of the Longines Masters series, the Gucci Gold Cup brought the best of show jumping to the American audience. World Number 1 Scott Brash, U.S. Number 1 Beezie Madden, and many more joined Longines Masters of Hong Kong Gucci Gold Cup champion John Whitaker in the ring. After a winning round of 12 competitors, French rider Patrice Delaveau and Carinjo HDC claimed top prize with a time of with 35.83 seconds, with McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z in very close second with a time of 35.85 seconds, followed by Edwina Tops-Alexander and Lintea Tequila in third in 36.30 seconds.

The Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition was a unique team class composed of one professional rider and one amateur rider, riding for charity. Each of the eight teams dressed up in costumes of their choice as they rode to a music selection complimenting their chosen theme. The team with the best style was decided by a celebrity jury composed of James Bond girl Denise Richards, actress Perrey Reeves from Entourage, and KTLA anchor Sam Rubin. Each team was judged on the number of penalties over the fences, the team’s style and elegance, as well as the horse’s style.

Kaley Cuoco and teammate Tracy Wade were crowned the Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition winners dressed as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to benefit Ride On. Jennifer Gates and Jack Towell embodied Wizard of Oz characters for Thrive Animal Rescue, and Hannah Selleck and Jane Richard Philips were Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts on behalf of Longines and Just World International.

The eight teams included:

·         Jack Towell and Olympe de Brecey and Jennifer Gates and Cadence for Thrive Animal Rescue

·         Hillary Ridland and Zilliam Rose and Mary Frances Looke and Labors Wonderboy for Park Place Foundation

·         Eduardo Menezes and Caruschka 2 and Jean Christophe Meily and Joel sponsored by The Jules Stewart Project and Sterckx Stables and San Pascual Stables for Wolf Connection

·         Jane Richard Philips and Zekina Z and Hannah Selleck and Callway Do Cabo sponsored by Longines for Just World International

·         Kent Farrington and Basic and Alexandra Crown and Charley for Autism Speaks

·         Kristin Hardin and Firestone S and Nicolette Hirt and Cascall for Compton Junior Posse

·         Edwina Tops-Alexander and Summertyme and Sophie St. Claire and Lady Mecklenburg sponsored by Gucci for Amade

·         Tracey Wade and Estano and Kaley Cuoco and Bionetty for Ride On

Earlier on Saturday, Patrice Delaveau won his first class of the day, the $34,000 Prix Emirates CSI5*. Only two riders out of a starting field of 21 managed to leave all the rails up to qualify for the jump off. Delaveau, riding 11 year-old Lacrimoso 3 HDC and Lauren Hough, on 11 year-old Cornet 39, were the two riders to jump a second time.

The Longines Masters of Los Angeles concluded on Sunday afternoon with the much-anticipated Longines Grand Prix.

Photo Credit: McCool Photo for EEM