As the frosty winds of January swept through the city of Basel, the equestrian aficionados of the world converged upon the hallowed halls of St. Jakobshalle, where the Longines CHI Classics Basel heralded an auspicious start to the year 2024. For four days, from January 11th to 14th, this citadel of show jumping became a showcase of finesse, valor, and precision.
In a dazzling display that captured the hearts of all present, Kevin Staut, atop the majestic Visconti du Telman, soared to victory in the Longines Grand Prix on Friday, January 12th. Like poetry in motion, each jump was a testament to the synergy between rider and steed. As the crowd erupted in applause, the triumph was made sweeter when Staut received an exquisite Longines timepiece in recognition of his spellbinding performance.
Yet, as captivating as Staut’s performance was, it was Pieter Devos who galvanized the crowd last Sunday. Mounted on the tenacious Mom’s Toupie de la Roque, Devos performed with an accuracy that was nothing short of spectacular, clinching the title of the 10th leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™. Within the arena’s hallowed walls, amidst an air rife with competitive spirit, Bernardo Tribolet of Longines honored the Belgian’s achievement with the gift of a sophisticated Longines timekeeper.
Amidst these individual triumphs, Swiss rider Janika Sprunger and Austria’s Max Kühner demonstrated their own masterful riding, securing the second and third podium positions, adding to the event’s tapestry of memorable moments.
Highlighting the unsung heroes of the sporting spectacle, the glamorous Longines Owner of the Year award ceremony celebrated the critical role of owners in the realm of show jumping. A standing ovation greeted Georg Kaehny as he ascended the podium to accept this prestigious accolade for the third time, a recognition for his invaluable contribution to the sport, nurturing champions such as King Edward and Iliana. In a fitting tribute, another stunning Longines watch was bestowed upon him, symbolizing both gratitude and grandeur.
Beyond the feats of athletic prowess, the Longines CHI Classics Basel 2024 also served as a grand stage for the unveiling of the exquisite Mini DolceVita. As the Official Watch of the event, the Mini DolceVita captured the essence of Longines’ celebration of classic beauty and modern sophistication. The timepiece, with its understated elegance and array of color choices and styles, including the opulent option of diamonds, was a star in its own right. Measuring 21.50mm by 29mm, the stainless steel cases of the Mini DolceVita watches winked enticingly at onlookers, offering a piece of timeless luxury for every discerning wrist.
The Longines CHI Classics Basel conjured an enchanting blend of athletic excellence and timeless elegance, rendering it an event that lingers in the memory – much like the renowned timepieces it champions and the champions it so generously honors. As the curtain falls on yet another chapter of this equestrian extravaganza, one thing remains crystal clear: The magic of the moment, like a Longines watch, is truly immortal.
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