Smooth landing: Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing watches the first batch of Olympic equestrian horses' transportation to the Sha Tin stable from the airport.

The first batch of 32 Olympic equestrian horses from seven countries has arrived in Hong Kong and was transported to the six-star stable at the Sha Tin venue.

Inspecting the horse-transport arrangements today, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said he was delighted with today's smooth process, including quarantine checks, transportation, and immigration and customs procedures for accompanying personnel.

"The smooth operation this morning demonstrates the prudent and careful preparatory work done by various Government departments and relevant organisations, such as the Equestrian Company, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Airport Authority," he said.

"The safety of the horses and their welfare is one of the Hong Kong Government's top priorities. It is also a great challenge for us.

"I am confident that transportation of other horses in the coming few days will also be carried out smoothly and safely, given the experience this morning, to enable the horses to compete in their best condition," he added.

Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong was also happy with the horse transfer arrangements after their arrival, adding all involved in preparation for the competition have gone into Olympic mode.

He said last year's trial experience has been useful in getting Hong Kong prepared for all conditions, including heat or wet weather.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department quarantine officer Dr Thomas Sit said all documents on the arrived horses' behaviour during quarantine were in order.

The horses arrived today came from Belgium, Denmark, Korea, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and Germany. In the next few days 229 horses from across the globe will arrive in Hong Kong.

There will be a record number of horses participating in the Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong, with about 220 horses, together with more than 200 athletes, from about 40 countries/regions.