Hong Kong, April 24, 2009: Audemars Piguet, the top Swiss watch brand, has worked together with the Hong Kong Jockey Club on the AP QE II Cup for 11 consecutive years! To celebrate this remarkable partnership, a Welcome Party is hosted at Ocean Centre in Harbor City tonight. The stunning splash of glamour from the party made Victoria Harbour’s night skyline even more breathtaking.

Hundreds of guests were entertained during an elegant evening with splendid food plus a simply super live performance. A racing silk parade with dancing and live music turned the evening into a carnival and a fitting start to a new decade of the AP QE II Cup. The outdoor and indoor venue offered a night scene of Victoria Harbour as the backdrop, making for an exhilirating gala evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (CEO of HKJC), John CC Chan (Chairman of HKJC), Shirley Kwan,

Philippe Merk (CEO od Audemars Piguet), Wolfgang Sickenberg (CEO AP (HK) LTD.)

Mr. Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for its unconditional and consistent support for this undoubted highlight of the racing calendar, the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup. Audemars Piguet also signed a new contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club tonight which symbolized the committment of both parties in organizing the world-class event with continuous success.

The newly on board CEO emphasized, “AP QE II Cup has become a summit of Hong Kong and the worlds' racing events. As one of the races of the World Series of Racing, the event is a shining star which glows alongside our latest treasured watch collections,'' said Mr. Merk. "Once again we have created a new and finely crafted watch to mark the start of the second decade of our partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It is, the Limited Edition Royal Oak Chronograph, of which there are only 100 pieces produced.'' Mr. Merk added.

Local diva Shirley Kwan brought even more glamour to the evening with her charming and melting voice, as she performed five all-time favourites. Shirley captured the audiences' heart with her uniquely sensational singing style after the passionate racing silk parade, marking the climax of the night. Guests also tested their knowlege of horse racing in a game zone.

Local celebrities and socialites also joined the party which has become a "must'' event. Top ranking horse owners, trainers, jockeys and VIP socialites including Ms. Alvina Wong, Mr and Mrs. Andrew Kinoshita, Ms. Bao Bao Wan, Ms. Barbara Wong, Mr. Charles Yang, Ms. Cindy Yeung, Ms Cissy Wang, Ms. Gigi Chao, Ms. Gigi Fu, Mr. Real Ting, Ms. Irene Wang, Ms. Isabella Kau, Mr. Patrick Leong, Ms. Kennis Tai, Mrs. Lucy Yang, Ms. Rachel Lloyd, Ms. Rosemany Vandenbroucke, and many more took joined in what was a memorable evening.

Overall guests enjoyed a fabulous party to celebrate the new start of a decade of the AP QE II Cup, which will be held this coming Sunday at Shatin Racecourse.

Source: Audemars Piguet