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The following is issued on behalf of the Equestrian Company:
Hong Kong has passed the major test of its readiness to host next year¡¦s Olympic equestrian events. Mr Lam Woon-kwong, the CEO of the Equestrian Company, yesterday (August 13) said the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup, served as the perfect build-up to the 2008 Olympics.
¡§We have found the test event very useful,¡¨ Mr Lam said. ¡§We have been able to test the ground and other things and we have had the opportunity to use the emergency and contingency plans.¡¨
A tropical storm forced a slight delay to both the dressage and cross-country phases although it did not affect the overall competition and the jumping competition went ahead on Monday evening on schedule.
Hong Kong International Olympic Committee President Timothy Fok said he was happy with the outcome of the test event.
¡§In spite of the weather we are satisfied with the results,¡¨ he said. ¡§We have one year to prepare and I am confident it (the test event) will be good preparation for the Olympics.¡¨
Martin Plewa, the chief judge for the test event, gave the Hong Kong organisers top marks.
¡§This is the best test event I¡¦ve ever been to,¡¨ he said. ¡§It is almost like the Olympic feel itself.¡¨
The Good Luck Beijing ¡V HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup comprised two events, the International Eventing Competition for overseas riders and the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Preliminary Eventing Competition for local entries.
A total of 16 riders from seven countries contested the international title which was won by Germany¡¦s Frank Ostholt.
¡§The main reason for coming here was to get used to the facilities and the weather, but I am also a sportsman and it is good to win,¡¨ he said. ¡§The horses next year should be very fit and I think it is important for the riders to be very well prepared.¡¨
Ostholt took the lead in the cross-country phase on Sunday and achieved two clear rounds in the jumping to win the title. He finished on 53.4 penalty points. His compatriot Dirk Schrade was second with 54.6 penalty points while Australian Shane Rose was third with 66.6 penalty points.
The prizes were presented by Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), who attended all three days of competition in Hong Kong.
The event was also a huge boost for the Hong Kong¡¦s riders who rarely have the chance to compete in such a high profile event.
Tara Delaney, who won the local competition with 52.9 penalty points, said everyone had gained from the experience.
¡§It was not the best ride I have ever had but we did the job,¡¨ she said. ¡§I¡¦m really sad it¡¦s over, it¡¦s been an amazing experience.¡¨
Delaney said all the local riders had made the most of the opportunity to compete in the Olympic test event. ¡§Hopefully we will have learned from this. We¡¦ve never had this sort of exposure and opportunity. It was a great experience to see the international riders.¡¨
Annie Ho finished second with 58.2 penalty points and Kwan Kwok-ming was third on 64.1 penalty points.
Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Agnes Allcock, said the priority now was to promote and cultivate an Olympic atmosphere in Hong Kong before the 2008 Games.
Ends/Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 01:20
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