The action includes the exciting Longines Speed Challenge (Friday evening), the sheer power of the Masters Power Six-Bar (Saturday afternoon), and the thrilling conclusion of the Longines Masters Grand Prix of New York on Sunday afternoon. In addition, Riders USA will take on the Riders Europe challengers in a transatlantic battle with the two-round Riders Masters Cup team competition, which puts a priority on speed and Is slated Saturday evening feature.
"New York was a dream and I still can't believe it is a reality," said President and CEO of EEM the creator of the Longines Masters Series Christophe Ameeuw, recognized as a global leader in indoor showjumping. "We are overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have had in New York from longtime partners such as Longines, the Official Partner and Timekeeper of the Longines Masters Series, Automobili Lamborghini and Sam Edeleman, as well as new brands, including Mark Cross, Douglas Elliman, Devialet, and the entire equestrian community. We bring our guests the best in show jumping, entertainment, and hospitality, and we've raised the bar this year."
Blazing the way for the U.S. contingent are the stalwarts of the U.S. team, McLain Ward, ranked #8 on the world rankings, and Beezie Madden, #21 on the world rankings, who both hail from New York State. Entering New York recent success, Madden brought home a win at the Longines FEI World Cup Final on April 16 in Paris while Ward finished fourth. Both Ward and Madden have two team gold and one team silver medals from Olympic Games and both have won FEI World Cup Finals (Ward in 2017), but neither has topped a Longines Masters Grand Prix, so they'll be hungry to add that title to their resume. Devin Ryan, who turned in an amazing second-place result at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup Final behind Madden, is also set to compete at the Longines Masters of New York.
Lauren Hough and Laura Kraut, both Olympians, FEI World Equestrian Games, and FEI World Cup Finals veterans, will also jump in New York for the U.S. aboard their exciting stars like Ohlala and Confu, respectively. New York's reigning hometown hero, Georgina Bloomberg, will be joining them in the ring. The U.S. veterans will be joined by a U.S. roster brimming with young talent, including Jessica Springsteen, Kristen Vanderveen, Andrew Ramsay, Quentin Judge, Lucy Deslauriers, and Adrienne Sternlicht.
World #2, Harrie Smolders (NED), will spearhead the European riders at the Longines Masters of New York and he'll be joined by an impressive cadre of European riders. Smolders is on a hot streak, having won the Longines Global Champions Tour series in 2017. World #3, Peder Fredricson of Sweden, and world #4, Kevin Staut of France, will join Smolders when the European stars arrive in New York. Also, lining out for the European veteran riders will be Patrice Delaveau, who won the Longines Masters of Hong Kong Grand Prix this past February and will look to continue his road to the Grand Slam Bonus, while Philippe Rozier of France and Gregory Wathelet of Belgium compete to reign supreme. Joining them are the under-25 contingent of Edward Levy of France and Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium.