Good start: Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong said this morning's competition was smoothly conducted.

The morning session of the first-day Olympic equestrian events competition ran smoothly, as the 10,000-plus spectators generally abided by the rules, Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer WK Lam says.

Meeting the media this afternoon, Mr Lam said although some audience members are not so familiar with the sport, they were thrilled with the horses' movements - and the venue itself.

He believed spectators' interest will be heightened as the coming competitions will grow ever more exciting. He advised them to bring along a radio with headphones, so they can listen to live commentary and truly appreciate the events.

Mr Lam expressed regret at two spectators' deliberate violation of the house rules. The pair displayed political messages in the venue this morning, causing a disruption for neighbouring spectators, and potentially affecting the conduct of the competition and riders' performance.

As they refused to stop after repeated requests, the security officers used the most peaceful means to remove them from the venue, Mr Lam said.

He noted they will not be admitted to future competitions even if they have valid tickets due to their clear and deliberate but irresponsible act.

Police well prepared

While saying this morning's competition was in perfect order, Chief Police Superintendent David Ng urged the public to continue to arrive at the venue early for security checks and not to bring water or other banned items.

He said yesterday's two incidents - a foreign man displaying a banner on Tsing Ma Bridge, causing serious traffic congestion, and someone leaving a low-grade pyrotechnic device in the Causeway Bay MTR station - had caused public inconvenience and panic.

The man on the bridge was arrested and investigation of the two cases are ongoing. Mr Ng stressed no illegal acts nor disruptions to social peace will be allowed.

He reiterated there is no intelligence so far about potential attacks on Hong Kong, noting the Police have the experience and plans to tackle any emergencies.

Assistant Commissioner of Transport Cindy Law said the shuttle-bus service for the equestrian venue has been sufficient and operated well today. She urged spectators to use public transport to the venue.