Los Angeles, Calif. - Jane Richard Philips, Longines Ambassador of Elegance, took the top prize at the first edition of the Longines Speed Challenge in Los Angeles, competing the course on board Dieudonne de Guldenboom in a blistering 60.97 seconds. Winning the event presented by Longines was a great way to close out Friday’s competitions. Timing and precision: these are the keywords of this Masters Grand Slam class, now held on three
continents. Known as one of the fastest competitions of the circuit, riders faced a 15 obstacle (1.45m) course where every fault is penalized with two seconds instead of four as usual in common speed classes.

The 21st rider in the ring, Jane took the lead with an incredible time of 60.97 seconds, two and an half seconds faster than Dutchman Jur Vrieling and Zavall VDL who were leading the class so far: “I can tell you, I was very nervous,” said Jane. “I was convinced that many riders would go faster. My horse showed me that he wanted to go very fast and I tried to do my best. I kept going quick during the whole course knowing that my horse could do it.” It worked out, although Belgium’s Constant van Paesschen and Citizenguard Million Dreams are usually very fast… “But I wanted to
be a gentleman today (laughs)… No, I am joking,” said Constant.

“I also really tried my very best and my horse did jump super,” said Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat, who placed third in the event on top of Albfuehren's Memphis. “There was nothing to do to beat Jane today,” he said. “When I was in the lead, I never thought that I would stay on the platform”. Last to go, U.S. rider Kent Farrington (Blue Angel) could have changed this podium. Keeping the crowd in suspense, Kent had the fastest time until a last second fault on the final fence.

Another memorable highlight of the evening was a special appearance from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who offered an official welcome to the Longines Los Angeles Masters on behalf of the city of Los Angeles.

Longines Speed Challenge winners
2010 Roger-Yves Bost with Jovis de Ravel at Gucci Paris Masters
2011 Philippe Rozier with Ideal de Roy at Gucci Paris Masters
2012 Roger-Yves Bost with Castle Forbes Cosma at Gucci Paris Masters
2013 Katharina Offel with Olivia de Nantuel at Longines Hong Kong Masters
2013 Scott Brash with Bon Ami at Gucci Paris Masters
2014 Kevin Staut with Quismy des Vaux HDC at Longines Hong Kong Masters
2014 Jane Phillips with Dieudonne de Guldenboom at Longines Los Angeles Masters