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PREVIEW
DUBAI’S POLO & RACING SEASON
OBC
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 AED 20
www.equestrio.com
SPOTLIGHT
LONG LIVE L’ARC
DIARY
THE ARGENTINE OPEN, PALERMO 20TH NOVEMBER – 13TH DECEMBER
The world’s greatest polo Final. Eight teams including seven 10 goalers and 11 9 goalers produce the finest polo of the year, culminating in a super Final on the 13th December. And this year it will carry so much expectation. After last year’s history-making La Dolfina win, can they do it again this year? WWW.AAPOLO.COM
THE CARTIER POLO CHALLENGE, DUBAI 12TH DECEMBER
A change of format, but still undoubtedly one of the smartest polo events in the GCC, Cartier Polo will once again take place at Desert Palm Per Aquum Resort. The most covetable ticket is the one that enables you walk up the Cartier-red carpet, enjoy a fabulous lunch, exciting polo and a work out of the credit card in the Cartier jewellery and timepiece maison.** **Correct at the time of press
WWW.DESERTPALM.AE 24
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BRITISH POLO DAY, INDIA 16th – 18TH DECEMBER
For any polo fan who’s dreamed of playing in one of polo’s historical homes of Jodphur, this is an event not to be missed. Dinner at the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, fashion shows at the Umaid Bhawan Palace and chukkas at the Jodhpur Polo & Equestrian Institute, plan your trip through Abercrombie & Kent for a truly memorable holiday. WWW.BRITISHPOLODAY.COM
LONGINES HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES, HONG KONG 9TH – 13TH DECEMBER
The first big race of the festivities is the Jockeys’ Championships, which is fiercely contested and highly demanding as it takes place around the unique inner-city course that is Happy Valley. However, the most hotly anticipated event is naturally, Sunday’s races, which draws conclusion to the truly international race meet where HK$83million is the total prize money available to the victors. WWW.RACING.HKJC.COM
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POLO AHEAD
WITH POLO GROUNDS BEING BUILT, TOURNAMENTS GROWING IN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND THE APPEAL OF THE UAE AS A NEW YEAR POLO DESTINATION, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY FOR THE GAME OF KINGS TO GO HERE – UP. EQUESTRIO ARABIA LOOKS FORWARD TO AN EXCITING 2015/16 SEASON. PHOTOGRAPHY: Irina Kazaridi
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PREVIEW
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he Dubai polo scene has been growing exponentially in the last few years. From what was a collection of events played in an almost holiday atmosphere, now the tournaments are amongst the most competitive in the world for the time of year and welcome some of the biggest names in polo including 10 and 9 goalers such as Pablo MacDonough and Lucas Monteverde. The UAE is now a legitimate polo destination; not simply a vacation spot with polo tapped on for fun – although of course, that can be arranged too. The Al Habtoor family’s major polo construction paired with the St Regis hotel will be a big game changer for the sport here. With construction well underway on the stables, grounds and the hotel facilities, the polo community is waiting with baited breath. There were hopes that the two major 18 goal tournaments, the highest
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level played here in Dubai, would be played for on the brand new grounds in 2016. Yet, at the time of going to press this is unlikely. The Al Habtoor family plays on the best pitches the world over at various levels and will undoubtedly want to produce grounds to the same standard. Giving the grass time to properly settle should make the pitches unbeatable come next season. Although we’ll keep our fingers crossed that light chukkas may still be played on them in early 2016 – we’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear anything. The biggest news on the Dubai polo scene is perhaps 2 goaler and patron, Rashid Albwardy heading State side to play the US high goal this winter. He and his Desert Palm team – alongside his father, Ali, owner of the team and the Desert Palm Polo Club and Resort – usually take part in all of the major Dubai tournaments.
This year however, Rashid will be joining his long-term international pro, Adolfo Cambiaso with the Valiente high goal set up in Palm Beach, Florida. The combination of Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente and the Dubai establishment will certainly be something to behold so try and book some time to head to International Polo Club Palm Beach to watch the Dubai set-up take to US soil. Back here at home though and it will be business as usual. As we go to press the season is already ramping up with the Clubs already thriving with evening chukkas and morning and afternoon lessons. There are changes afoot at Desert Palm, where this year, Cartier will return to the exclusive Club for the eleventh year – but for a one-day event as opposed to a week-long tournament. Expect the same exciting polo and naturally the same beautiful execution from the Cartier team. The ticket for
lunch is hotter than a day in August so get networking now. The other big date in the diary will be The Royal Salute Nations Cup in January. Running from the 23rd to the 29th, this is another tournament, which not only boasts competitive polo, but done so with such aplomb. Royal Salute with its signature navy branding will take over Desert Palm for a week of international polo – so pick your countries now. Further information is yet to be announced, but we’re hoping that it will remain at the 14 goal level and that Royal Salute Ambassador and 6 goal professional, Malcolm Borwick will once again make an appearance. Local player, Sam Instone has led his team, AES to victory in this tournament three times now, so undoubtedly there will be sides looking to unsettle this winning streak. Can he claim a fourth win in 2016? Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club have already
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SPOTLIGHT
THE TORTUGAS OPEN, TORTUGAS COUNTRY CLUB, ARGENTINA
WINNING FORMULA
THE WORLD’S BEST TAKE TO THE PITCHES OF ARGENTINA FOR THE COVETED TRIPLE CROWN SERIES; KICKING OFF WITH THE TORTUGAS OPEN. WORDS: Carolina Beresford PHOTOGRAHPY: © Eduardo Grunberg/ www.imagesofpolo.com
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t was the premier major challenge of the year: the first leg of The Argentine Triple Crown. With changes in Ellerstina’s line-up and La Dolfina’s two-year victory streak, the Final of The Tortugas Open was anxiously awaited by polo fans all over the world. The tournament traditionally opens the high goal season in Argentina and historically gives a good indication of how the season will develop. La Dolfina started as they intend to go on – Winning. Determined as ever, Adolfo Cambiaso, David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero achieved their twenty-fifth consecutive victory as a team. The Final was forecast to be a difficult game. In the Ellerstina camp, Emilio Novillo, who has been working closely with Polito Pieres and his organisation for over a year, suspected that the match would be about tactics and composure. “It’s a mental game,” he stated. “The eight players on the field make up the best in the world. It’s not about skill, it’s about keeping a cool head.” This was Ellerstina’s first Triple Crown Final with their new team formation. At the end of last season, brothers Gonzalo, Facundo and Nico Pieres recruited cousin Polito from Alegria to form an all-Pieres line-up. Polito’s incorporation in Ellerstina has been one of the most anticipated events of the year, with much debate about how he would
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SPOTLIGHT
QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE FESTIVAL, LONGCHAMP, PARIS
GOLDEN SHINES BRIGHTLY IN PARIS
PARIS IN THE AUTUMN IS ALWAYS A GOOD PLACE TO BE. WHEN IT IS FILLED WITH TOP-CLASS HORSES WHO ARE AFFORDED THE RARE LUXURY OF RUNNING THERE ON GOOD GROUND, IT IS EVEN BETTER. THIS YEAR’S PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE MEETING, THE BEST SINGLE DAY OF RACING IN EUROPE, HAD ALL OF THAT, AND PLENTY MORE BESIDES. WORDS: Laura King PHOTOGRAPHY: Pat Healy, Longines, Scoopdyga & APRH
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he Qatar-sponsored Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as Europe’s richest and most prestigious race, rarely attracts a weak lineup, but the 2015 running had something extra-special; the chance of witnessing history. Treve, the winner of the race for the previous two years, was going for an unprecedented third success, having been sensationally ‘un-retired’ by her owner, Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, at the end of 2014. The Treve of 2015 looked even better. The five-year-old mare was flawless in three starts, two of them at Group I level, which meant she was installed as the hot favourite to win the end of season showpiece, despite lingering doubts that the going might be too fast for her. Up against her was a formidable field of 16 rivals, including eight other Group I winners. They included the French Derby winner New Bay, plus Flintshire, who had finished second 12 months previously. Part of the strong overseas raiding party was Golden Horn, winner of The Epsom Derby, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes during a stellar three-year-old campaign, and the filly Found, who attracted some each-way support.
Leaving nothing to chance, trainer Criquette Head-Maarek decided to employ a pacemaker for Treve and indeed it was the filly Shahah who dutifully set out in front, with Treve anchored in midfield under Thierry Jarnet. Frankie Dettori, drawn wide in stall 14 on Golden Horn, opted to stay clear of the rest of the pack, before slotting in behind Shahah. It was a good decision by the three-time Arc winner, and meant he was in a good position to take up the running with 400metres left to travel. Once he was there, Golden Horn galloped on strongly, and even though Treve was unleashed for a promising run down the outside, she could get no closer than fourth, with the Khalid Abdullah-owned pair of Flintshire and New Bay dividing her from the emphatic, two-length, winner. Dettori, who has enjoyed a huge renaissance over the past two years, was delighted by the victory, his first in the Arc since Marienbard provided him with his third success back in 2002. He was full of praise for his mount, about who he had felt confident beforehand. “My tactics were good but his performance was unbelievable,” said the Italian. “Today you saw the real Golden Horn. He put away a great Arc field like a real champion. Over the last furlong and a half it would have been impossible for any horse to get near me. I pressed the button and he flew. “Think of the horses he has beaten and beaten well. I spent the last furlong enjoying myself. He has given me some tremendous pleasure and is probably the best horse that I have ridden.” High praise, indeed, from a man who rode the great Dubai Millennium and whose time in racing isn’t much shorter than that of trainer John Gosden. The Newmarket handler was amazingly winning this race for the first time, and was at his eloquent best afterwards. “It’s great to win The Arc in France and The Derby in England – that’s what it’s all about,” said the training great. “I think Dettori and Golden Horn help each other. I keep saying he’s a better horse coming from off the pace and he was today. “He’s a fabulous horse, with a great mind and a great constitution. I don’t want to compare him to other people’s horses, but put it this way, he’s the best middle-distance horse I’ve ever trained and I’ve trained a few.” Traditionally, the second-biggest race of the day is the Group I Prix de l’Opera, sometimes dubbed the ‘fillies’ Arc’. This year’s lineup of 13 featured last year’s winner, We Are, but she could only manage third behind the front-running Covert Love. The rangy filly, who provided young trainer Hugo Palmer with his first top level win when taking The Darley Irish Oaks back in July, was again ridden from the front by Pat Smullen. Although she was joined and momentarily passed in the straight by Dettori on Jazzi Top, she battled back for a head victory, sending her syndicate of owners into raptures. “Three times I thought Covert Love was done in the straight but she just found, found, found,” said a typically ebullient Palmer. “She could run anywhere in the world in the next 12 to 14 months.” On a good day for the British raiding party, the Group I Prix de l’Abbaye also fell their way, thanks to Goldream’s victory for trainer Robert Cowell and jockey Martin Harley. The six-year-old gelding won The Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June but arrived in Paris after a below-par showing in The Nunthorpe at York. However, back on faster ground here he was a relatively decisive winner, just getting up in the shadow of the
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RACING
BREEDERS’ CUP, KEENELAND, KENTUCKY
HISTORY
MADE AMERICAN PHAROAH, THE WONDER HORSE BELOVED BY US RACEGOERS, MADE BREEDERS’ CUP HISTORY AND CROSSED THE FINISH LINE INTO RETIREMENT, A CHAMPION. WORDS: Laura King PHOTOGRAPHY: © Breeders’ Cup
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he Breeders’ Cup has never been afraid of breaking new ground, and in 2015 it did it twice, welcoming the first Triple Crown winner to run at the meeting, and staging itself at Keeneland, Kentucky for the first time. The Breeders’ Cup – which, at 32-years-old, is a relative child in racing terms – wasn’t around when Affirmed won The Triple Crown in 1978, so this was American Pharoah’s chance to make history. He did just that, turning a $5million race into a lap of honour, against inferior opposition. Sent straight into the lead by jockey Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah was allowed an easy time of things up front. Travelling down the back straight, Espinoza was niggling at the colt, but it proved to be a false alarm, as he kicked on again off the final turn and cruised home, uncontested, by six and a half lengths, from nearest rival Effinex. Honor Code closed late to take third. Phones and cameras held aloft, Keeneland went wild. This was the crowning of a great champion, in the US home of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. “I’m emotional right now,” said Bob Baffert, trainer of American Pharoah, after greeting his colt in the winner’s enclosure, while owner Ahmed Zayat said: “we wanted him to go out as a winner. American Pharoah is a winner. Well done Bob Baffert!” American Pharoah, who will be known now as the only horse to win racing’s ‘Grand Slam’, will now journey just a few miles down the road to join Coolmore Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. He’s gone from racetracks, but will never be forgotten. Breeders’ Cup Saturday wasn’t all a crowning of champions, however, and Golden Horn, the Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, was beaten in the Turf on his final start.
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PORTFOLIO
TIME-HONOURED
TRADITIONS
How did you first get into photography? My grandfather was an avid amateur photographer, and though I never knew him, I grew up looking at the photographs he took of the family, and the portraits he used to shoot of my grandmother, who was such a beautiful woman. I would go into the darkroom in my grandmother’s house and close the door and I’d play with the cameras, sift through the negatives, looking at the familiar, but distant photos of my mother and her sisters, and the dachshunds which they grew up with. My grandfather loved to incorporate them into his pictures, and that must be where my love of dogs, and photographing animals comes from. When I went to university I joined the University of London Air Squadron and it seemed only natural that I assume the role of Squadron Photographer. One day, on the way back from an airshow I was with friends driving down the Kings Road in London, and a line of 20 troopers of the Household Cavalry trotted past, gleaming in their armour and plumed helmets. I leapt out the car with my camera, and ran alongside them snapping away. The Officer at the front of the procession realised the potential for a nice photo, lifted his arm and brought the line of horses (and all the traffic on the Kings Road) to a complete standstill. Out of the side of his mouth (they’re supposed to be silent whilst on duty), the Officer beckoned me over, and asked me to put my email address in his boot. After seeing the pictures, the officer, Edward Olver, invited me for lunch at Knightsbridge barracks, and we became firm friends. After leaving the army, he founded British Polo Day (BPD), and after spending a year unable to find a photographer that captured the spirit of his events, he invited me to join the team. Travelling the world with BPD has given me so many opportunities and introduced me to so many wonderful people all over the world.
Parade today, there is nothing about the scene that will have changed for 200 years. As much as I like shooting these scenes, I prefer capturing the atmosphere behind the scenes before they ride out. I love those moments of focus, when the subject tends to forget I’m there, and is thinking only of giving their best, whether that be riding in a parade or playing in a polo match. There’s so much tradition and heritage to be found in polo, particularly in somewhere like India. The British Polo Day in India is held at the polo club where Winston Churchill reputedly played his first chukka, in Jodhpur, so it’s steeped in history. I like to spend time with the grooms before the match, and watch the delicacy that they devote to the horses as they prepare them.
Photographer Sam Churchill shares his passion for heritage, horses and heirloom cameras.
Do you remember your first camera? My first camera was my grandfather’s Contax II, which he carried with him through the European theatre during the Second World War. It’s a late ‘30s model, almost Bauhaus in design, and although it’s not quite fast enough for shooting polo, it sits proudly on my shelf and reminds me of him. Your portfolio is quite diverse - is there a specific subject you like to focus on? I love photographing heritage – uniforms, tradition. I think this is where my fascination with the military comes from. It strikes me that if you were to photograph an Officer of the Household Cavalry riding on Horse Guards
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What is it about horses that you enjoy photographing? The horse has to be the most beautiful and majestic animal on earth, and watching the connection between a rider and their horse is always a privilege. They are such gentle creatures, but just as with people, you have to establish a connection with the horse before you can get ‘the shot’. You have had a photo selected for a Royal Mail First Class Stamp. I had no idea this photo was selected for a First Class Stamp until I received a call from my mother, who had seen the announcement and the picture of the stamp printed in The Times. I’d taken some shots of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery performing a 41-gun salute in a snowy Hyde Park. It was definitely a fairy tale scene as they printed their hooves across a light dusting of snow in the park, and the cannon fire boomed through the crisp cold air. I submitted the images to a photo library online, and thought nothing of it. Sure enough, six months later someone from Royal Mail had come across them and decided it was exactly what they’d been looking for, and included it in the ‘Working Horses’ stamp set. Do you have a favourite photograph? If so, why is it your favourite? That’s a difficult one! At the moment it’s a black and white photo I took in India of a groom and a horse, and they are completely as one. The groom has his arms stretched across the horse’s back, and his hand is touching the horse’s face with real affection – it was one of those moments that lasts for just a few seconds, and you really hope the shot does justice to the moment. In this case, I think it did. www.samchurchillphotography.co.uk
portfolio
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ESCAPE
ATrue
ESCAPE Six Senses Zighy Bay is set under a dramatic mountain on one side, and a private sandy beach and azure ocean on the other. You can’t really find a better place to escape it all.
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ighy Bay is a secret many don’t want to share; they want to keep it for themselves. Hidden away on the Musandam Peninsula in Oman, getting there requires an adventurer’s spirit, but the introduction to this incredible resort is worth any adrenaline flutters. Just a couple of hour’s drive from Dubai, one option to check in is to take the 4x4 drive down the hair-pin bends scouring the Hajar mountains; or you can paraglide down, landing softly on the sandy beach with your luggage already safely stowed in your villa. Or perhaps you want to opt for the more serene form of entry? How about the resort’s speedboat, which draws into its very own harbour? See you haven’t even handed over your passport and you’re already impressed. Which is the overwhelming feeling you should expect throughout your stay at Zighy Bay. The resort has 82 pool villas and beautifully blends the traditional rustic Omani architectural techniques with a modern innovative twist, offering a subtle sense of luxury, masterfully crafted with the appreciation of the local surroundings. Each individual pad as its own infinity-edged pool so you could literally check in and check out – although the two main Zighy pools (one of which is salt water) are worth leaving home for. It’s not too much work – after all there are bicycles on hand to get you around the resort; just kick your shoes off, grab your beach bag and ride off through the palm-shaded walkways. If you’re there to relax – after your initial exciting entrance – then immerse yourself in the Spa, operated by Six Senses, which offers nine treatments rooms and therapists who can pumice, preen, massage and manipulate you back to rejuvenated health. The wraps and facials are beyond the norm and also smell delicious
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ESCAPE
with figs and honey being worked into your skin by magic hands. The four-hour Arabian massage may take up a lot of your time, but really what else do you need to do with your time? However, if paragliding a la James Bond gave you a taste for something a little more adventurous then simply take a look at the menu of activities on offer. There is so much to entertain a short boat-ride away; naturally the diving and snorkeling in Oman is legendary so grab your kit and head out for a morning further down the coast. Colourful coral patches shelter sea turtles and stingrays in the bay, whilst impressive dive sites are only a short kayak or dhow ride way. There’s waterskiing and wakeboarding too if that captures your fancy. Or back on dry land, there’s mountain trekking and biking to explore the rugged terrain or learning to fly a micro light aircraft, which promises a truly memorable perspective of the local landscape.
After all that exertion, you’re going to be hungry. And again, there’s so much choice. With a philosophy of sourcing excellent ingredients to give a fantastic culinary experience, the four restaurants blend the rustic Omani village feel, yet ooze elegance and sophistication. There are a multitude of options to choose from including Western, Middle Eastern, Indian and Japanese at Summer House. Shua Shack offers traditional Bedouin communal dining experience with under sand cooking. The Sense on the Edge restaurant is an award-winning mountain-top dining venue, located 293metres above sea level, overlooking Zighy Bay, with an adjacent lounge Drinks on the Edge. A memory that you can hold on to forever. The other bar, Chill offers a chance to kick back with a sun-downer. Zighy Bay prides itself on being like no other; and even a short stay here will show you why. Book in now.
NEED TO KNOW: Scott Dunn offers a week at Zighy Bay from 10,850 AED per person based on two sharing a room on a B&B basis. Includes private transfers from Dubai. For more information please visit scottdunn.com or call 800 035 703 722 toll free.
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HORSETORQUE
Mercedes-AMG GT A racing heritage leading into an open road future with the latest sports car developed totally in-house by Mercedes-AMG. WORDS: Charley Larcombe
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he best or nothing. So reads the motto for Mercedes-Benz and how true it sounds when viewing the new MercedesAMG GT, the new top-class sports car we are hoping will appear in our garage this year. With a long, aquiline bonnet tapering into the iconic grille featuring the three-pointed star, this is a good-looking car. Although the gull wing doors of its predecessor may’ve gone, the trimmed cabin rolling back into muscular shoulders in the hallmark ‘Coke bottle’ shape still lends that power stance visual. LED high performance headlamps with stylised ‘eyebrows’ as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look. Although you may wish to spend time just admiring the sculptural
exterior, the inside of the GT is also a sight to behold. Described as the next expression of the ‘aviation design’ theme, the cabin includes a wing-like dashboard, four central spotlight-style vents and a dominant center console. Whilst the exterior nods to an almost classic shape, the interior is contemporary with big, bold instrument clusters. As if we would expect anything less form the Mercedes-AMG partnership, naturally only the finest materials have been used. Nappa leather and superb craftsmanship apparent on the sports seats and the performance steering wheel leaves an impression of outstanding precision and super quality. Now to get under the bonnet, where all us sportscar fans really wish to be. Born on the racetrack by the AMG engineers in Affalterbach, this model features an all-new AMG 4.0litre
EQUITIME
THE MOST COMPLICATED WATCH IN THE WORLD
FRANCK MULLER AETERNITAS MEGA A work of art in a watch, the Aeternitas Mega brings beauty and complexity together.
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unique timepiece, the Aeternitas Mega is the most complicated wrist-watch in the world and a masterpiece from the Franck Muller group. Each of its 1483 components was designed to give the Aeternitas Mega an elegant appearance in the traditions of the old “cadraturiers” of Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux. With the Aeternitas movement serving as a base, the Mega proved to be the culmination of this project. The Aeternitas Mega 4 is the only “Grand Sonnerie” time-keeper in which the Tourbillon is visible on the dial side, limiting available
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space and making the design all the more complex. The watch features 36 complications, 25 of which are visible, including a minute repeater, a mono-pushpiece splitseconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar secular, and an equation of time that only varies by 6.8 seconds per lunar month, which represents an error of only one day every 1000 years. It displays three time zones, has a three-day power reserve and boasts 99 jewels. Entirely designed and manufactured by the Franck Muller group, the Aeternitas Mega is priced at $2.7 million.
"THE AETERNITAS MEGA IS THE MOST COMPLICATED WRIST-WATCH IN THE WORLD AND A MASTERPIECE FROM THE FRANCK MULLER GROUP."
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Shopping
THE BULGARI OCTO SOLOTEMPO
In 18-carat gold with a black alligator strap, this is classic elegance with an octagonal case that adds the unusual to what should be a cornerstone of a modern collection. The watch features sharp lines and hand-applied indexes and comprises the Solotempo self-winding mechanical calibre, developed entirely in-house by Bulgari.
A long lost treasure, the Heritage Black Bay is a new version of Tudor’s signature diving watch. It derives its lines and domed crystal from the brand’s first divers’ watch, the Tudor Submariner reference 7922, which was launched in 1954. Its winding crown is a nod to a 1958 model and is nicknamed ‘Big Crown’ by collectors. The references to Tudor’s heritage coupled with the watch’s contemporary design elements give it a unique identity.
THE LONGINES PULSOMETER CHRONOGRAPH
THE DE GRISOGONO NEW RETRO
Longines celebrates its long tradition of watchmaking and brings back to life one of its vintage models with the Chronograph Pulsometer. Subtly combining elegance and functionality, it adds a pulsometric scale to its distinguished design. This sober and refined single push-piece chronograph can measure the heart rate.
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THE TUDOR HERITAGE BLACK BAY
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De Grisogono "squares the circle" with the New Retro, as the rectangular case is balanced with rounded edges. Free of horological complications, the timepiece features a new font developed by De Grisogono and is supremely, understatedly elegant.
THE ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR 42 AUTOMATIC
This 188-piece themed collector’s limited edition features a finely handengraved stone face, an exclusive dial innovation that echoes the legend of King Arthur and the Excalibur sword. The Excalibur 42, with pink gold hands, a black minute-circle and a genuine alligator hand-stitched strap is driven by the RD622 calibre, a hand-finished 179-part automatic movement equipped with the Roger Dubuis micro-rotor.
THE LADY ARPELS PONT DES AMOUREUX
This poetic complication by Van Cleef & Arpels featues a 38mm white gold and diamond case, a contre-jour enameled dial with sculpted goal, and an hour/minute retrograde movement by the House. The face is set to the scene of France’s famous Kissing Bridge in Annecy, where two lovers meet at the 12 o’clock hour.
THE BELL & ROSS BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON
This high-tech chronograph with its sporty looks and aeronauticalinspired design is limited to only 20 pieces worldwide, expanding Bell & Ross into haute horlogerie. It features a Grade 5 Titanium case with rocker push button and a metal skeleton Superluminova filled hour and minute hands. The strap is available in both black alligator and rubber.
THE FRANCK MULLER VANGUARD VANITY
The Vanguard Vanity is technologically avant-garde and aesthetically sporty. The bridge and pillars of a traditional tourbillon are arranged in an elliptical circle with diameters of 21.2mm and 7.7mm, and a balance of 14mm further characterises this unconventional tourbillon. An in-house design and manufacture, the Vanguard Gravity is available in titanium or 18-carat pink or white gold.
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Shopping
DE GRISOGONO From de Grisogono’s Melody of Colours collection, this brilliant amethyst ring with white gold and white diamonds is one of the many pieces that showcases the house’s talent to reinvent classics into powerful forms.
CHOPARD Peacock earrings from Chopard’s Animal Collection, started on the occasion of the House’s 150th anniversary. The birds are made of emeralds, cabochon sapphires, multicoloured diamonds and diamond beads, tsavorites, multicoloured sapphires, cabochon amethyst, and Paraiba tourmalines.
RALPH LAUREN This 18K rose gold Stirrup Large Chronograph from the Ralph Lauren Stirrup timepiece collection is both sporty and classic and features caliber RL750, a self-winding movement made exclusively for Ralph Lauren by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
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VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lotus collection pays tribute to the Chinese symbol of wisdom and prosperity. These white gold and diamond earrings reinterpret the poetry of nature.
KARTELL The Philippe Starck-designed Masters chair is now covered in dazzling gold. Kartell employ a cutting-edge metallization process to achieve flawless results, both aesthetically and functionally.
CORNELIO CAPPELLINI This storage unit is from Cornelio Cappellini’s William collection, which is characterised by the use of the ancient tufted technique on the wood frame. The unit features bamboo-shaped handles made of Murano glass, which echo Asian traditions where bamboo represents everlasting integrity.
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S P O R T I N G TA L K
JUAN-CARLOS CAPELLI AS THE VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING OF LUXURY TIMEPIECE BRAND LONGINES, WHO BETTER PLACED TO DESCRIBE THE LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP OF THE BRAND WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EQUESTRIANISM? MR CAPELLI SITS DOWN WITH EQUESTRIO ARABIA TO TALK ABOUT LONGINES’ INFLUENCE, ITS HISTORY AND ITS FUTURE. then taken on the role of Official Partner and Official Timekeeper for many races and racecourses all around the world. As part of this strategy, Longines has collaborated with Meydan for many years now. This partnership is a unique opportunity for the brand to enhance its privileged relationship with equestrian sports and sports timekeeping. We are very proud to be associated with one of the major acts of the Middle East equestrian world.
How important is the Gulf-based equestrian portfolio to the brand and how do you select which events to support in a region so rich in equestrian opportunity? Longines has been growing substantially in this part of the world for the past few years. Our Gulf-based equestrian portfolio reflects this achievement. As well as involvement with all the equestrian events organised by the Meydan Group, we also work with the Emirates Equestrian Federation. We partner with prestigious events, as for instance The Dubai World Cup, The Dubai Show Jumping Championship, The President of UAE Showjumping Cup CSIO5* presented by Longines and The Emirates Longines Showjumping League. True to its motto “Elegance is an attitude”, Longines is very much involved in elegant sports. Elegance is therefore one of the key factors when it comes to the decision whether we partner with an event or not.
Longines’ relationship with equestrian sport is deep-rooted and truly global. What first inspired the brand to support equestrian sport? Longines’ passion for equestrian sports dates back to 1878 when it created a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount. Seen on the racetracks as early as 1881, this model was extremely popular in the racing world among jockeys and horse-lovers. It enabled its user to time performances to the seconds and was already being used by most sport judges in New York in 1886. In 1912, the company partnered for the first time with an international show jumping competition in Portugal. Over the years, the brand has created lasting relations with the equestrian world. Today, Longines is involved in show jumping, flat racing, eventing and endurance competitions. In all these disciplines, Longines partners with many of the most renowned events the world over.
Longines is the Official Timekeeper at Meydan, home of Dubai Racing Club, tell us about how that relationship came about and the synergy between Longines and racing. Longines has been involved in flat racing for more than a century. The brand shares common values such as elegance, tradition and performance with the world of racing and being part of it was therefore totally natural. The brand has
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Longines’ equestrian portfolio has expanded exponentially in recent years, can we look forward to continued increase in the brand’s investment in equestrian sport? Longines has been passionate about equestrian sports for more than a century and we certainly intend to extend our long-lasting involvement in the equestrian world. In the past years, the brand has become the partner of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) and the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities). Both partnerships mark an important step for us: they reinforce our traditional commitment in equestrian sports.
What is your personal equestrian memory? I used to ride when I was younger and I’ve always admired the sporting qualities of the champions performing at the highest level. Today, as a representative of Longines, I am really lucky to see them compete and this is like a dream come true.
What were your feelings on the 2015 Dubai World Cup? This year was really special as The Dubai World Cup celebrated its 20th edition. I had the chance to live a thrilling race day and to assist to the amazing victory of Christophe Soumillon, winning jockey of the Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines. This 2015 Dubai World Cup will remain, for sure, in my memories for a long time.
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