Emirates Gold Cup: Kevin Staut Strikes Gold

Los Angeles, October 2016 – Saturday night at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles was the epitome of glamour, prestige and excitement with top-level show jumping and entertainment at the Long Beach Convention Center. The evening featured two renowned classes: The Emirates Gold Cup and the Pro-Am Style & Competition for Charity. The third night of the prestigious competition attracted celeb spectators Kaley Cuoco, William Shatner, Selma Blair and Arianna Rockefeller.

The Emirates Gold Cup showcased the power and agility of the world’s best showjumpin riders. After a competitive first round, the top ten and their horses took to the course again. The winning round came to an exciting finish as the French swept the podium. Kevin Staut and Elky van het Indihof HDC claimed the top prize with a time of 35.52 seconds, with Simon Delestre and Julien Epaillard coming in second and third, respectively.

The morning portion of the competition was highlighted with the City of Long Beach Trophy class, in which Steve Guerdat took home the top prize with a time of 33.83 seconds. Also in the morning session, the Terranea Resort Trophy was won by Estelle Navet, while Amelie Bittar claimed the Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes Trophy.

The afternoon and evening showcased the fun and philanthropic aspect of the Longines Masters Series with the much-anticipated Pro-Am Style & Competition for Charity. The event featured seven teams, each consisting of one professional rider and one amateur rider, each competing for the charity of their choice while in full costume and riding to music matching the theme.

The team with the best style was decided by a celebrity jury composed of Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan, Lawrence Zarian, and entertainment reporter Sam Rubin. Winners were judged on the number of penalties, the teams’ style and elegance, as well as the horses’ style.

Nayel Nassar and teammate Sloan Elmassian were crowned the Pro-Am for Charity winners dressed as disco kings with afros and all to benefit Ride On, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities through equine-related therapy, recreation and fun. Other notable competitors included Steven Spielberg’s daughter, Destry Spielberg and Jane Richard-Phillips riding as samurai ninjas competing on behalf of Just World International.

The seven teams included:

Kristin Hardin and Nikki Hirt for Compton Jr. Posse Youth Equestrian Program

Nayel Nassar and Sloan Elmassian for Ride On

Francie Steinwedell-Calvin and Vani Khosla for Thrive Animal Rescue

Destry Spielberg and Jane Richards-Phillips for Just World International

Will Simpson and Ben Ebeling for Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases

Eduardo Menezes and Jean-Christophe Mely for Special Spirit

Joie Gatlin and Chandler Meadows for Semper Fi Fund

3th October 2016