The Prix de Diane Longines – Perfect union of sport and elegance

Chantilly (France) / St. Imier (Switzerland), 18 June 2014 – Once again, Longines celebrated elegance in all its forms this year at the Prix de Diane Longines, the world's top race for fillies. In the unique atmosphere of the Chantilly racecourse, Grégory Benoist on Avenir Certain won the most coveted title of this top-level flat race day. As Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch, the famous Swiss watch brand was proud to be associated with this event, enhanced this year by the presence of Longines' Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet.

This Sunday, the Chantilly racecourse vibrated to the sound of galloping hooves during the nine flat races including the Prix de Diane Longines, the world's top race for fillies. This prestigious race was marked by the victory of Grégory Benoist on Avenir Certain, who ran the 2’100 meters in 2’05”37. This year, as an exception, the event – reputed for its style and charm – was enhanced by Longines' Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet. As the embodiment of refinement, the talented British actress presented the "Mademoiselle Diane par Longines" award for elegance during the afternoon to Adeline Fonknechten, chosen for her outstanding elegance. 

Longines' involvement in equestrian sports dates back to 1878, when the brand created a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his horse. For the Prix de Diane Longines 2014, the brand promoted a ladies' watch in steel from its Conquest Classic collection. Set with 30 diamonds, this magnificent timepiece with its white mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour symbols is a perfect example of the elegance of this unique race meeting.

The Swiss watch brand renewed its support to talented young jockeys through the Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, a race in which young jockeys from all four corners of the globe competed against each other. The most promising rider of the 2014 edition was Gary Halpin who, riding Cantabrico, clinched the title and received a trophy, an elegant Longines watch as well as 5’000 euros bursary for his academy. 

In addition, Longines was also involved in the Prix de La Reine Marie-Amélie Longines, a race for amateur female jockeys of the International Federation of Gentlemen and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI), of which the famous Swiss watch brand is the Official Partner and Official Watch. The talented Barbara Guenet on New Outlook won this 2’000-meter race, the 7th of the afternoon.