Ready to start: Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong and Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Agnes Allcock brief the media on the equestrian contest arrangements.

Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong says the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup is an important test of Hong Kong's readiness to stage next year's Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.

Speaking at a press briefing today, Mr Lam said this weekend's contest will be as close as possible to an Olympic event. It will be divided into two classes - one for international competitors with 17 horses from eight nations, and the other for 20 Hong Kong riders. They will all compete in dressage, cross-country and jumping.

"Not only are the horses and athletes being tested, so too are the accreditation and security systems, accommodation for the horses, officials and spectators, and the communications systems, including the scoreboards," Mr Lam said.

Positive feedback

The Jockey Club's Executive Director of Corporate Development Kim Mak said there has been positive feedback from overseas teams.

"The teams and experts are happy with the situation. Some said that it is better than in their own countries, in Europe or the US," he said. "Tests show the cooling systems are working well. It will help to attract the best horses for the Olympic event [next year]."

Arrangements will be made to ensure the hot and humid Hong Kong summer will not have an adverse effect on the horses during the competition.

The competitions will be held in the early morning or late evening when the weather is a little cooler. An experienced team of vets will be on hand to ensure the best care.

Forty tons of ice will be used daily in special "misting" tents to reduce the body temperatures of the horses and help them relax during the three days of competition.

Close scrutiny

All aspects of the test event will come under close scrutiny during the three-day competition to see what improvements need to be made before the Olympics.

People are urged to use public transport to get to the venues at Sha Tin and Beas River. Shuttle busses will run at five to 10 minute intervals between KCR stations and the venues before and after the competition.