Swiss watch maker, Longines have been announced as sponsors of the National Grand prix at Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian & Event centre once again in 2012. This is the second time in as many years that the prestigious company has sponsored this event at Ravensdale Lodge, the Grand Prix weekend is scheduled at the north Louth venue from May 25th to 28th. Based in St Imier, Switzerland since 1832, Longines celebrates its 180th Anniversary in 2012 and boasts a long tradition of sports timekeeping which dates back to 1878. Longines has a rich, 80 year heritage of being involved with equestrian sports through its role as sponsor and timekeeper at prestigious show – jumping events throughout the world. Longines are official timekeepers and sponsors of many of the five star CSIO International Grand Prix including Dublin, Barcelona and Hickstead. They involvement in equestrian sport also extends to horse racing where they are official timekeepers and watch partners of events such as Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup and the Dubai World Cup.
As part of the TRM National Grand Prix League, Ravensdale Lodge plays host to their weekend show over three days from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th May with the featured National Grand Prix class set for Sunday 27th. The Longines main grass arena at Ravensdale Lodge will stage three events on Sunday, the finals of the 1.20m Longines Conquest and the 1.30m Longines Dolce Vita classes with the Longines National Grand Prix being the finale of the weekend. Qualifiers for the 1.20m Longines Conquest and the 1.30m Longines Dolce Vita classes will be held in the main grass arena on Friday and Saturday. In addition to the scheduled prize fund there will be a signature Longines rug for the winner of all three classes in the Longines main arena on Sunday and commissioned Longines crystal for the top three finishers in all three classes. To top things off there will also be a Longines Conquest watch presented to the winner of the Grand Prix.
“Longines are delighted to continue our association with Ravensdale Lodge as official watch and title sponsor of the National Grand Prix weekend at the centre on Sunday 27th May” stated Longines Brand Director Justin Thompson. “This relationship with Ravensdale Lodge reinforces Longines commitment to equine sports in Ireland with the five star CSIO International Grand Prix at the Dublin Horse Show being the highlight of the show jumping calendar” he went on to say. Niall Connolly of Ravensdale Lodge commented “We are thrilled to have such a prestigious brand as Longines remain with us as watch and title sponsor of our National Grand Prix on Sunday 27th May”. “It is a wonderful endorsement of our facilities and a great honour to be included in the list of events that Longines put their names to such as Dublin, Hickstead and Barcelona. We are also delighted that competitors over the weekend will have the opportunity once again to jump for some really special prizes such as the Longines watch, rugs and commissioned crystal. This calibre of prizes is just not available outside the International five star shows. It has the makings of a really special weekend”.
