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Marco Kutscher celebrates his win in the Longines Grand Prix at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam
SportHong Kong

Slice of history for quick-fire Marco Kutscher at Longines Masters in Hong Kong

German charges to victory on final day and also picks up a €250,000 bonus for winning two grands prix in the series

Mathew Scott
Mathew Scott
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Marco Kutscher entered the arena to applause before the final round of the Longines Grand Prix. He left it to an ovation, and with a slice of history and a €250,000 (HK$2.16 million) bonus to take home.

The German world number 18 left nothing to chance in what was the last ride of a thrilling weekend of showjumping at the Longines Masters in Hong Kong, claiming the marquee event and the first ever bonus Longines has given out to any jumper to win two grands prix wins across its three-leg annual series.

To win two from three this season makes me very happy. It’s a very special day and a very special week for me
Marco Kutscher

The 40-year-old Kutscher had won the grand prix in Los Angeles in October and the repeat effort on Sunday at AsiaWorld-Expo came after what he described as a weekend – and a career – of mixed fortunes.

“As you can imagine I am very happy,” said Kutscher who also collected a handy US$165,000 first prize for his efforts.

READ MORE: China’s first Olympic equestrian star Alex Hua Tian forever grateful to Hong Kong upbringing

Marco Kutscher, on Van Gogh, shows his style to snatch victory in the Longines Grand Prix in Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam
“We didn’t start the weekend very well. If you see my record I am not a grand prix winner every weekend and I am not at the highest world ranking. I am always ranked around 20.

“That means to win two from three this season makes me very happy. It’s a very special day and a very special week for me.”

READ MORE: Irish sensation Bertram Allen steals the show in Longines Speed Challenge in Hong Kong

As last man out, Kutscher knew the pace he had to find with mount Van Gogh to overhaul the 46.61 seconds recorded earlier by Kevin Staut on For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC. For his part the Frenchman had conceded defeat even before Kutscher’s circuit, declaring to the arena-side announcer he thought the German would “just be too fast for everyone”.

Kevin Staut of France had to settle for second place, behind Marco Kutscher. Photo: EPA
It quickly became apparent he knew what he was talking about as Kutscher clocked in at 45.16.

“My horse today was very good. Kevin said to me he had never seen him jump like this and he was right,” said Kutscher

“I knew that if I was last out and the guys left the door open I would have to take that chance, and I did. I’m just very satisfied. It’s been a great weekend and a whole lot of fun.”

Champion Marco Kutscher pays a tribute to the fans. Photo: Nora Tam
That much was never more on show than on Saturday night when Hong Kong’s Jacqueline Lai Jing-man – ranked 969 in the world – rode a perfect round in the Longines Speed Challenge, no mean feat considering the weekend was the 25-year-old’s first crack at a five-star event.

It was the first perfect go-around for a Hong Kong rider over the four editions of the event. Fittingly, it brought the crowd to its feet and saw the mini bauhinia flags that were handed out put to good use.

Marco Kutscher flanked by second-placed Kevin Staut (left) and third-placed Emanuele Gaudiano. Photo: Nora Tam
Lai came into the weekend under no illusions about how hard it would be to compete against a line-up of the world’s very best. She left – like the crowd – elated.

“It was an exciting journey for me, from knowing I would be part of the show two months ago to getting out there and competing,” said the Hong Kong Jockey Club sponsored rider. “I feel relaxed now and happy with the way things have gone.

“To have the crowd behind me was very special. I’ve learned a lot from the weekend and it’s just been a great experience for me and for the sport in Hong Kong.”

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