A group of international equestrian journalists have given Hong Kong the thumbs up for its preparations for the Equestrian Events of the 2008 Olympic Games.

The journalists from the United States, England, New Zealand Australia, Ireland, Canada, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands were in Hong Kong for one week in early March for a familiarisation visit ahead of the Equestrian Events.

They were briefed by the Government, the Equestrian Company, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and the Riding for the Disabled Association.

They visited the equestrian venues at Penfold Park and the Hong Kong Sports Institute at Sha Tin, and the cross-country course straddling the Beas River Country Club and the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling.

They were briefed on venue preparations to date, as well as importation and quarantine procedures, veterinary care and drug testing.

The International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists’ spokesperson, Ms Jennifer Anstey, told RTHK Radio 3 that the journalists were all very pleased with the progress being made.

“Construction has progressed very nicely. Facilities for the horses look top notch with thorough air conditioning and the site in general looks to be progressing well,” she said.

“We were all very impressed by the presentations made and the thoroughness of the preparations. Every account, every aspect seems to be accounted for.”

Asked if she or any of the journalists had any concerns about the facilities and planning she replied: “ No. We are actually quite excited.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited (The Equestrian Company), Mr Lam Woon-kwong, told the journalists that more than 300 horses were expected to take part in the Olympic events in 2008.

He said about 40 horses would take part in the “Good Luck Beijing – HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup” at Sha Tin and Beas River from August 11-14 this year.