Return transport for the valuable equine competitors from Liège to Hong Kong was organised by European Horse Services, one of the world’s leading equestrian transport specialists. Hactl was once again entrusted with handling the precious cargo, while Etihad Airways was the chosen carrier and DB Schenker was selected for forwarding responsibilities.
This latest series of Asia’s largest and most prestigious equestrian event, now in its fifth year, began in Los Angeles in September, moving to Paris in December and will once again culminate at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo complex.
Filip Vande Cappelle, EHS Founder and President as well as Vice Chairman of the Animal Transportation Association, said: “The Longines Masters has become one of the most important events in the global equestrian calendar, attracting the highest calibre entrants from around the world,” adding that EHS was honoured to have been selected as the official transportation partner and to be working with Hactl again.
Hactl Chief Executive Mark Whitehead greeted Hong Kong’s top-ranked jockey, Jacqueline Lai, accompanied her horses BASTA and DER SENAAT 111, on their arrival into Hong Kong. Lai won Hong Kong’s first-ever equestrian medal in 2010 and is the only Hong Kong local participating in the contest this year. Whitehead remarked: “It’s great to be involved in this wonderful event again, and it was particularly good to have the opportunity of meeting Hong Kong’s very own competitor. Both Jacqueline and Hactl are enthusiastic supporters of the Longines Masters, which has really put Hong Kong on the equestrian map.”
