Hong Kong is on course to stage an "absolutely fabulous" Olympic equestrian event next year, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said after attending the cross-country phase of the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup at Beas River today.

Mr Rogge praised Hong Kong for organising a very successful event.

"I am very happy with the preparations. I have spoken with the riders and they are very happy," he said. "Everything is progressing well and we will have an absolutely fabulous Games here next year."

Confidence vote: Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang meets International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge and International Equestrian Federation President Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. Mr Rogge gave Hong Kong his vote of confidence after watching the cross-country phase of the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup.

Advice invited

Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang met with Mr Rogge, International Equestrian Federation President Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein and representatives of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

The competition tested the hardware and software needed to host the 2008 Olympic equestrian event, Mr Tang said. He invited the parties to offer advice in respect of the venues, facilities and competition co-ordination.

The competition is an Olympic test event, split into an international competition with 15 riders from seven nations and a local competition.

Frank Ostholt, a member of Germany's winning World Championship team last year, is now leading the event, which he said is good Olympic preparation for the riders and organisers.

"It was very useful for us to come here," he said. "I hope it will help us next year."

Close competition

Ostholt has 53.4 penalty points and is just ahead of compatriot Dirk Schrade who has 53.6 penalty points. Australia's Shane Rose is close behind in third place with 57.6 penalty points.

American Bruce Davidson Jnr praised the equestrian venue, and said the course is a good test for the horses. "It is so twisty and turny, you are always pulling on the reins," he said.

Tara Delaney is leading the local competition with 52.9 penalty points. She said the competition was a great opportunity for Hong Kong riders to get a taste of international equestrian competition.

Police Commissioner Tang King-shing said 1,000 officers are being deployed daily for the three-day event.

"We need to balance the security needs and the needs of the large number of spectators at the event," Mr Tang said.

The jumping phase will be held in Sha Tin tomorrow.