When the Longines Masters comes to the coliseum later this month, one event in particular is shaping up to be a fierce, thrilling competition.
The Riders Masters Cup—set for Saturday, April 28—will pit RidersUSA against RidersEurope, as the American squad seeks victory after being narrowly defeated by the European riders in the equestrian duel-style competition at the Longines Masters of Paris late last year. The spectacle promises to be the crowning event at the Longines Masters of New York at NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, April 26 through 29.
A two-phase competition, the second and final stage takes place at the coliseum, with RidersUSA looking to even the score and take the win on home turf.
“When we decided to move our American Leg of the Longines Masters to New York, we were living a dream to jump on the grandest stage. Our show has become known for combining glamour, lifestyle, and gastronomy with the best in show jumping,” said Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM, which is presenting what is being billed as the first prestigious indoor equestrian competition on Long Island and the first in New York in more than 130 years. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to bring an exciting new competition along with it. The Riders Masters Cup brings the best of equestrian sport together with exhilarating team competition and is a showcase for the exhilarating event in the world’s biggest media market.”
Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland for the U.S., and Philippe Guerdat for Europe, the Riders Masters Cup takes on a match race, two-round competition after five riders for each side are carefully selected. Points are hard to come by, with the winner of each match up in round one earning a single point. When they return for the second and final course over a speed track, the winner earns two points.
While the riders of both squads have not yet been named, Ridland, the American legend whose underdog team nearly shocked the European squad in front of a packed French crowd, is hoping that on home soil, with some lineup changes and strategic learnings, his roster of stars will reign victorious. The final teams for the Riders Masters Cup will be announced on April 26—but no matter the team’s makeup, Ridland believes the American squad is poised for vindication and they are ready to fly the flag high in the epic showdown.
“For New York, I think we came in with a pretty good strategy and a very good team,” said Ridland. “The home field advantage will be for us and in our favor in New York. The spectators, riders and the sport in general will realize what it’s about after seeing this and I really look forward to that. We’ll give them a run for their money.”
The first edition of the historic Riders Masters Cup will culminate on U.S. soil on April 28, at the Longines Masters of New York at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Until then, each team will continue training and strategizing in anticipation of their return to the ring with a renewed fervor and the goal of either revenge or continued domination.
Longines Masters of New York combines unparalleled sport with luxury lifestyle for a unique experience. The must-attend event of Spring 2018 will offer first-class sport, shopping, live music, one-of-a-kind artwork, delicious cuisine and more.
Fans can stay updated on the news from each team at www.ridersmasterscup.com and show their support on social media with the hashtag #WaveYourFlag. Tickets are available at www.longinesmasters.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
