Everyone has visited the races once in their life, because it makes for the perfect day out. There is nothing more exhilarating than watching hundreds of horses’ hooves come thundering past you, turfing up the grass in the process. Each jockey has one goal in mind, to cross the finish line and their steeds, with extreme adrenaline pumping through their veins coast against other horses, trying to get ahead of them. Many people like to place bets on which horse they think will win, others just like to pop a bottle of champagne enjoying a day out under the sun in beautiful dresses and full suits. Ascot is a racecourse which embodies the thrill, excitement and glamour of the sport and celebrating a 10 year partnership this year with the famous course is luxury watch brand Longines – the perfect marriage of style, elegance and magnificence. However, the public are not the only ones that like to come to the races.
Many of the greatest thoroughbreds have passed through Ascot making it truly remarkable ground, where only the best horses win. Every year for one week, 18 different races run, testing the ability of all the horses on the track, stamina, speed, pace, stride. Some have a lot to live up to, being progeny of the best performing sires and dams.
Each day begins with a royal procession, especially as it is one of the most iconic and well renowned British Equestrian events.
If you have visited Ascot before, you are bound to have spotted the beautiful Swiss watch brand Longines signs spotted around Ascot. For those that don’t know much about the Longines collection, it’s a Swiss luxury watch brand from Saint-Imier, Switzerland whom have been making luxury watches since 1832. They have been the official timekeeper at many world championships and partners of different sport federations. Longines have built strong and solid relationships and links with equestrian sports, including Ascot, over the years.
Longines also cherry pick their ambassadors for their timeless elegance, so it is no surprise to see Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Bollywood sensation who epitomises the very essence of the brand. Attending Ascot back in 2009 with a graceful elegant presence she was widely recognized by all. Aishwarya also attended the Royal Ascot Fashion Show, which showcased a selection of Britain’s most talented designers. I’m so proud to see Aishwarya supporting the British culture, especially as I’ve been a huge fan of hers, since I was a child. Following all her greatest movies and tributes.
2016 marks the tenth year of which Longines has been Ascot racecourses official timekeeper. In celebration, on June 14th Caravaggio’s win was celebrated by Longines in the Coventry Stakes by awarding the horses owner, trainer, jockey and stable lad with Longines watches from the Longines master collection. Later on that day, Profitable won the King’s Stand Stakes, the entire team were also presented with their very own prestigious Longines watch from the same collection. Not only that, they were presented it by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal too. What an honour!
Princess Anne had played an active role and had contributed tremendously in the equestrian world both as a high-level competing athlete, but also as head of many institutions such as Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) where she reigned as president for eight years! Therefore, Her Royal Highness was honoured and awarded during the fourth Longines Ladies Awards ceremony, organised by the watch brand in London’s famous Natural History Museum. What a remarkable lady!
As a big thank you to the Princess, Longines Vice President presented her with an 18 carat rose gold equestrian pocket watch, Equestrian Pocket Watch Horses Trio 1911. This symbolised the great connection between the brand and the equestrian world, which had been carefully crafted to feature a trio of horses. A very limited edition piece with only 20 existing pieces, so it was the most honourable and precious gift the princess could receive from Longines.
It’s been quite an exciting journey for both Longines and Ascot race course, accumulating in a marked event at the Longines’ London boutique on the 14th October 2016, where Swiss watch brand and Ascot celebrated their successful partnership which has spanned for the last decade. The association with Ascot, which started in 2006 and saw the brand become the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the British racecourse, marked for Longines a significant milestone in its involvement in horse racing in Europe. Let’s hope this dynamic, exciting and wonderful partnership continues for yet another 10 years at least.
Next time I’m at Ascot, I’ll be raising a glass to the rich equestrian heritage that Longines and Ascot have shared over the past decade.
Until next time…
Photo credits: Ascot Racecourse & Matt Keeble
