Hong Kong, April 26, 2009: Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the world’s champion racing event was staged at the Shatin Racecourse today. The acclaimed 2000-metre race have attracted horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world to bid for a chance to win a part of the AP QE II Cup’s HK$14 million prize purse. The racecourse was sparkling by array of first-class horses, celebrities and socialites which filled with glamorous and excitement for the celebration of the 11th anniversary.

The racing event has become growingly eminent since it was first time staged in 1999. It won the qualification of becoming an International Group One event in 2001, and it was crowned with a key match in the exalted World Racing Championships.

After the toasting ceremony celebrating the renewal of 3 years sponsorship contract, which was hosted by the important patrons to the race including Mr. Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet, Mr. Wolfgang Sickenberg, CEO of Audemars Piguet (HK) Ltd., Mr. John Chan, Chairman of HKJC and Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of HKJC etc, the race itself was the day’s top excitement. It was a heart-beating minutes for supporters to scream out their favorites. All the guests and socialites were absorbed by the precise strategies and the outstanding techniques of the horses and jockeys to strive for the laurel. After the extraordinarily competition, the champion won with the best collaboration between the horse and the jockey.

A grand Finale Watch and Fashion Show was held at the Jockey Club Box to demonstrate the noble spirit of the superb watch maker. Local stars Bernice Liu, Kevin Cheng, Bowie Lam and Sharon Chan showed off the prestigious selection in watch and fashion to this global racing occasion. Michelle Yeoh, international actress and AP ambassador, attended the event to show her support and presented souvenir to the winning Jockey.

Bowie Lam, Sharon Chan, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (CEO of HKJC), John CC Chan (Chairman of HKJC), Michelle Yeoh, Philippe Merk (CEO od Audemars Piguet), Wolfgang Sickenberg (CEO AP (HK) LTD.),
Bernice Liu, Kevin Cheng

To mark the start of a new decade of sponsorship to the event, the brand has added another everlasting masterpiece to the collectors list: the AP QE II Cup 2009 Limited Edition Royal Oak Chronograph. Limited to produce only 100 pieces, every timepiece is engraved with “Audemars Piguet QE II Cup 2009 Limited Edition” and the event logo on the case back. The pink gold case with the unique dark blue dial and 8 diamonds indexes displayed the permanent elegance and exclusivity. The Royal Oak Chronograph is even more precious thanks to its precision guaranteed by the 2385 selfwinding calibre and the 21,600 vibrations per hour cadence of balance, which also features a 40-hour power reserve. The watch symbolized the three core values of the brand : Tradition, Excellence and Daring.

Many more socialites and celebrities were attracted to join the fellowship of AP QE II Cup this year. Prominent business executives and celebrities in town including Dr. Cecil Chao, Ms. Wendy Xu, Mr. Kung Yan Sum, Ms. Kathy Chiu, Mr. Deacon Chiu, Mr. Real Ting, Mr. Kai Bong Chau, Mrs. Brenda Chu, Ms. Barbara Wong, Mr. Michael Wong, Mr. Wendy Law and more have been attending the race meeting today in the Shatin Racecourse.

About Audemars Piguet QE II Cup
Audemars Piguet, the world-renowned watchmaker, has been sponsoring the QE II Cup for 10 years. Whether perfecting the complex mechanics of timepiece creations or hosting high stakes horse-racing events, Audemars Piguet is dedicated to striving for excellence and high quality.

Source: Audemars Piguet