Latest from Horse & Hound in Hong-kong

‘It’s been an honour’: sad farewell to racehorse who won £6m and was cheered into retirement by thousands, aged 34

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:51:43 +0000

A former racehorse who won £6m, was the subject of two films and was cheered off by 33,000 fans when he retired has died aged 34 after 16 years of happy retirement.

Mr Vitality (Vi) had huge success on the track in Hong Kong, but had lived at The Racehorse Sanctuary in West Sussex since 2009.

“Old age had caught up with the poor old boy,” yard manager Nigel Dunger told H&H. “Up to this year, he’d looked an absolute picture and I thought he would get to 35 but we just couldn’t do it.”

Vi was born in 1991, by Snippets out of Savana City. He won multiple Group 1 races including the Stewards Cup and held the Sha Tin course record for the sprint. He was named Hong Kong horse of the year for the 1995-1996 season and had two films made about his career for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

“He had a massive fanbase and when he left Hong Kong to retire in 1998, 33,000 fans waved him goodbye from the airport,” a spokesperson for the sanctuary said. “He came to our sanctuary on 30 September 2009 and has thrived (and been the boss!) ever since.”

NO.4 MR. VITALITY, JOCKEY LANCE O'SULLIVAN WINNER OF RACE 7, 25 Nov 95. (Photo by DICKSON LEE/South China Morning Post via Getty Images) (Image credit: South China Morning Post via Getty Images)

Mr Dunger said Vi lived out 24/7, as most of the horses do there.

“He never wanted to come in the stable,” he said. “I try to keep them out as much as possible; you bring the old ones in and they just want to go back out! They’ve got field shelters but I see them when it’s pouring with rain and they won’t go in them. As long as they’re well fed, which they are, they go out and they love it.

“Vi was a legend, and he was still an independent horse, would still fight his corner. A lovely old boy.”

The spokesperson added that Vi was “very much his own person and always set his own routine and standards”.

“He was a true gentleman in every way,” he said. “He loved his life over the past 16 years here with us. We all shared a special moment with him for his 30th birthday, at our annual open day in September 2021, where he was presented with a birthday cake and we all sang happy birthday to him.

“Mr Vitality, you will be greatly missed, you really were a legend. We will miss you and thank you, it has been an honour to have looked after you.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘Heartbreaking’ team withdrawal from Tokyo Paralympic dressage: ‘horse and rider welfare is our top priority’

Lucy Elder — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:23:45 +0000

Hong Kong has made the “heartbreaking” decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympic dressage team competition, after one of the side’s horses showed signs of lameness after arriving at the Games.

Hong Kong was set to make its team dressage Paralympic debut in Tokyo. Its squad of three arrived at the Games on Friday (20 August), but the withdrawal of Timothy Tsang’s ride Cethegus M (“Gus”) means the side cannot continue in the team competition.

“On Sunday 22 August, upon examination by team vet, Adrian Farrington, Timothy’s partner horse Cethegus M unfortunately was deemed to be lame,” said a statement from the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation.

“The implications of this are that he would not be able to do sufficient work to enable Timothy to ride him safely. The welfare of both the horse and rider are our top priority.

“This is heartbreaking news for the rider and the team. The withdrawal of Timothy and Cethegus M also means that Hong Kong can no longer participate in the team dressage competition.”

As Hong Kong was fielding a squad of three, Timothy’s withdrawal means there is no combination to take his place for the side to be allowed to continue in the team contest. But while the team dream is now on hold until Paris 2024, Hong Kong’s other two riders Natasha Tse (Baxo) and Fleur Schrader (Caraat) will continue as individuals.

“Timothy and the team are understandably deeply disappointed. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is giving its full support to Timothy with the help of sport psychologist Dr Anna Waters.

“Timothy and Gus will now focus on the next championship and look forward to qualifying for Paris 2024 alongside the rest of his team members.”

Paralympic dressage start time

Hong Kong’s withdrawal, coupled with the hot weather Tokyo is experiencing, mean several Paralympic dressage sessions have been pushed back an hour from the original schedule.

The wet bulb forecast for the next three days is for mid-afternoon temperatures to reach between around 31 and 32+ degrees. The Wet Bulb Globe Forecast measures humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation), as well as temperature, to give an overall measure of climatic conditions.

The individual and freestyle Tokyo Paralympic dressage sessions were set to start just after 3pm on their respective days. This has now become 4pm.

“It was agreed that the 3pm start time for the para dressage competitions would not be suitable, as it would be too hot at this time of the day for competition to take place,” an FEI spokesman told H&H.

“In addition, following the withdrawal of the Hong Kong team, the start times were amended.”

View the Tokyo Paralympic dressage schedule

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H&H’s expert guide to Paralympic dressage classification and grades

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Paralympic dressage to be broadcast live on TV from Tokyo 2020

The news comes as a result of growing interest and investment from broadcasters around the world to screen the Paralympic

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Is this the most expensive rake ever? Garden tool forces race to be voided

Lucy Elder — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 14:43:03 +0000

The garden rake has gained notoriety overnight in the racing world after one of the humble tools caused a race to be voided, costing millions.

The Shum Wan Handicap (race four) at Happy Valley racecourse in Hong Kong was voided by stewards on Wednesday (26 October) after the starting gates failed to open at the same time.

The reason? A rake had become stuck in the barrier.

“It has been established that tracks staff placed two rakes on the side of the barrier,” said a statement from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

“When the starter initiated the start, one of the rakes became jammed in the barrier opening mechanism, causing a non-simultaneous opening of the barriers.

“The pre-race protocol for the barrier loading and starting process was otherwise normal. The mechanics of the barriers were in no way defective.”

No injuries were reported in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s incident report of the race.

Under rule 12 (39), stewards declared the race void and all bets — which totalled a whopping HK$126,206,410 (£13,370,991) — were refunded. Arrangements were also put in place for affected pool bets.

With the cheapest rake on DIY megastores Homebase and B&Q retailing at around £7, that would be enough to buy around 1,910,141 of the garden shed staples.

Here is the video of the start from tonight's voided race (R4) pic.twitter.com/G8g1W6u0gOHere is the video of the start from tonight's voided race (R4) pic.twitter.com/G8g1W6u0gO— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) October 26, 2016— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) October 26, 2016

The incident is also believed to be the first time a race has been voided in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 132-year history.

The club has released a slow-motion video of the start of the race on social media, which shows the delay in the opening of several individual gates.

Barriers three, six, 10 and 12 opened first, followed by two, four, five, seven, nine and 11, with one and eight the last to be released.

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The starting stalls used in the race were removed for the remainder of the meeting, pending further inspection.

The club has also started a “full inquiry” into the incident.

Double win for John Whitaker at Hong Kong Masters

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 14:25:15 +0000

John Whitaker and Argento landed an amazing $260,000 (£170,000) winning double at the Longines Hong Kong Masters at the weekend (13-15 February).

The 59-year-old scored first in Saturday’s Gucci Gold Cup and followed up in the big one on Sunday, heading the prestigious Longines Grand Prix.

“You always come wishing for the best but I didn’t expect to win the two major classes,” said John. “Argento is on really good form. The past few months he’s been jumping exceptionally well. He obviously likes Hong Kong.”

In the grand prix, the Yorkshireman and the 13-year-old Arko III stallion Argento beat Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann (Gotha FRH) — winner of this class last year — by nearly 1sec to capture the $231,000 top prize.

“This stands up there with everything that I have done,” he said.

The runner-up Henrik added: “It was my fault — I didn’t get the jump-off as smooth as I should have. John was the better man.”

This was the third running of the event and attracted a world-class field of European showjumpers. But the British riders more than held their own, not least in the Gucci Gold Cup, where John led a top three of riders carrying the Union flag.

John and Argento again delivered a pacey double clear to beat 18-year-old Jessica Mendoza riding Spirit T, while world number one Scott Brash took third on Hello Annie.

“Jessica is very good and fast — hard to beat,” said John. “She was on my tail and had me a bit worried there for a while.”

Don’t miss the full report from the Longines Hong Kong Masters — plus a full round-up of all the week’s competitions — in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday, 19 February).

Medals galore for British Paralympic dressage squad in Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:18:58 +0000

Team GB finished the final day of equestrian competition at the Paralympic Games with a flourish, picking up two golds and three silvers in the final three freestyle events.

Sophie Christiansen started the ball rolling winning the grade 1a with Lambrusco to add to her team gold and individual silver earned earlier in the week. Team mate Anne Dunham picked up silver with Teddy.

Sophie was thrilled with her win. “This is a dream come true,” she said.

There was perhaps no real surprise when ‘Mr Paralympics’ himself Lee Pearson kept up his 100% Paralympic record, winning the grade 1b freestyle and adding gold number 9 to his haul.

It had been a nerve wracking few hours in the run-up to the freestyle after Gentlemen pulled off a shoe and had to be rested for 24 hours. But the horse was in fine form for the test and produced the highest of the week, 77.444%.

Ricky Balshaw pulled off the performance of his life to finish second to Lee with Deacons Giorgi. Ricky had to endure a tense wait until the final score went up for eventual bronze Marcos Alves of Brazil.

This was a fraction of what Simon Laurens, who won silver in the grade III, had to go through however. With each class split into two sections, Simon was in action at 8am and it wasn’t until over 12 hours later at the end of the evening session that his silver was confirmed. Debbie Criddle, the 2004 Paralympic champion was also in action in this grade with Pavaroti, but sadly just missed out of the medals by a fraction of a percent in fourth.

Hannelore Brenner of Germany added to her individual gold, winning the grade III freestye with her elegant chestnut mare Women of the World.

With a capacity crowd watching, 30,000 spectators have been through the gates during the week. The Equestrian part of the games were brought to a close with the team medal ceremony where team GB were presented with their well deserved golds to cheers that would have done credit to a football stadium.

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from the Paralympic Games in next week’s magazine

Triple gold for British paralympic dressage team

Horse & Hound — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:34:42 +0000

It was triple gold for Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in Hong Kong as the team won gold by a handsome margin. Lee Pearson (pictured right) and Anne Dunham won their individual grades and Sophie Christiansen finished in the silver medal position behind Anne.

The team, made up of Lee, Anne, and Sophie as well as grade III rider Simon Laurens, finished over 20 points ahead of the Germans. The German team included today’s individual grade III gold medallist Hannelore Brenner riding Women of the World. Norway claimed the bronze. The medal ceremony will be held on Thursday night to close the equestrian events.

Lee Pearson’s win in the individual grade 1b riding the inexperienced seven-year-old Gentleman brought his paralympic gold tally up to a remarkable total of 10 and he has a chance to add in Thursday’s freestyle. “I am over the moon,” said Lee who has achieved the feat riding three different horses.

Anne Dunham’s ride Teddy has proved a real find. The welsh cob arrived through a colleague of Anne’s daughter. “He has come on so much,” she said, “and he loves to show off in front of an audience.” For Anne, a veteran of four Paralympic Games, and a past team gold medallist, this was a first and well deserved individual title

Sophie had to sit and suffer after going into the lead with Lambrusco III as Anne was one of the last to go. “I thought we had a chance of winning but I am thrilled to get silver,” she said.

Just Felicity Coulthard competes for the British squad tomorrow when the action centres on the grade II and IV freestyle championships, with the rest riding on Thursday when the remaining freestyle medals in the grade 1a, 1b and III’s are decided.

Stay in touch with the latest news from the Paralympic Games in Hong Kong on Horseandhound.co.uk

Germany wins grade II Paralympic gold medal in Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:46:55 +0000

Britte Naepel secured gold for Germany in the grade II individual at the Paralympic Games at Sha Tin racecourse riding the 8-year-old Cherubin 15. Second to go, they went into the lead with a score of 71.909% and were the only combination to top the 70% barrier.

Canada’s Lauren Barwick riding the Isjelmeer I gelding Maile finished closest with 68.454 for silver. The bronze went to Denmark’s Caroline Nielsen, one of the youngest Paralympians competing at 18, riding Rostorn’s Hatim-T. British representative Felicity Coulthard finished out of the medals in 6th with a slightly unsettled Roffelaar.

The evening session under the floodlights, saw the grade IV individual decided. Reigning Paralympic champion Ann Cathrin Lubbe was out to retain her title with her striking spotted stallion Zanko. However, as in the team test the previous day, she was beaten into silver medal position by Philippa Johnson riding Benedict for South Africa. Philippa has had the horse for 5 years now and won a silver medal at the Athens 2004 Games. With an extra 4 years under the combination’s belt they produced a harmonious performance that had the crowd cheering.

Team wise, with none of the Brits due to ride until tomorrow’s individuals, nothing is yet decided. Currently it looks like our biggest threat will come from the Norwegians after only one of the three Germans scored into the seventies.

Stay in touch with all the action from the Paralympic Games in Hong Kong on Horseandhound.co.uk

Britain in gold position after first day at Paralympic Games

Horse & Hound — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:44:03 +0000

After the first day of competition at the Paralympic Games the British team are in the Gold medal position. They have a commanding 16 points in hand over the second placed German team with the Norwegians a further 2 points adrift.

Simon Laurens riding at grade III and making his Paralympic Games debut, started the ball rolling for the British contingent with Ocean Diamond scoring 69%. Lee Pearson, riding new horse Gentleman scored even better with 73.294% to head the grade 1a team test. Sophie Christianson and Lambrusco posted 72% before last team member to go Anne Dunham managed an impressive 75.176% to huge cheers from the vocal British contingent.

Anne, at 59 the eldest competitor at the Games and a veteran of 5 Paralympics, was thrilled with her welsh cob Teddy Edward, who easily scored the highest percentage of the day. “He listened to everything I told him and did everything I wanted,” she said.

Of the Germans Hannelore Brenner and Women of the World scored their highest percentage with a 71.615 riding at grade III level and beating Simon in the process. The remaining two, Angelika Trabert and Steffan Zeibig, both grade II riders, scored 69.4 and 63 respectively.

With the individual medals decided on Monday and Tuesday, and those scores being added to those from the team tests, the team medals themselves will not be decided until Tuesday night. With all the British team members not due to ride until then, it promises to be a nail biting finale.

Eric Lamaze is Canada’s first Olympic show jumping champion

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:33:15 +0000

Eric Lamaze has become Canada’s first Olympic show jumping champion following a thrilling climax to the equestrian Olympics in Hong Kong. All the medals were decided in a jump-off and the gold only at the very last fence.

Eric, riding the much-admired Dutch warmblood Hickstead, jumped off against Sweden’s Rolf Bengtsson on the compact Ninja for gold. Eric and Rolf had jumped the sole double clears of the competition.

They both finished on the same time, 38.39sec, but Ninja crashed through the final fence, a multi-coloured wall.

Seven riders jumped off for bronze. The honours went to America’s Beezie Madden on Authentic who put in a cheeky sharp turn over a bank of rushes part way round the course.

Ben Maher maintained British interest with a lovely clear in the first round. Unfortunately the 90min wait between rounds took its toll on Rolette, and she looked a little tired in the second, clocking 20 faults.

Tim Stockdale also went clear in the first round but picked up 16 faults with Corlato in the second round.

Hong Kong is Eric Lamaze’s first Olympics, and this is vindication for a checkered past. He missed Atlanta and Sydney, due to testing positive for cocaine twice, but managed to get his lifetime ban lifted to compete here.

Read H&H’s full report on the individual show jumping competition, on sale 28 August, ’08

America wins show jumping Olympic gold in Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:02:30 +0000

History was made in Hong Kong as two teams jumped off for the gold medal for the first time and 61-year-old Ian Millar, the oldest Olympic show jumper ever completed his record ninth Games with his first medal, silver for Canada.

In a thrilling finale, the US won back-to-back gold, beating Canada, the two teams having tied on 20pen after the second round of team jumping, in a jump-off against the clock over a shortened course.

Canada, down to three riders after the withdrawal of Mac Cone, whose horse was sore, was at a disadvantage. When Jill Henselwood hit a brick off the Chinese calligraphy wall and first three Americans, McLain Ward, Laura Kraut and Will Simpson, jumped clear, it was all over.

Norway has taken bronze, its first equestrian Olympic medal ever and the first occasion the country has fielded a show jumping team since 1936.

Britain finished seventh, on 37 faults. Ben Maher jumped a beautiful clear round, and all three qualify for the individual final on Thursday.

Olympic jumping photo gallery

Stay in touch with the show jumping action from Hong Kong with Horseandhound.co.uk

Peppermill will not jump in Olympic show jumping competition

Horse & Hound — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:20:01 +0000

John Whitaker and Peppermill have not been allowed to compete for the British team in today’s second round of the Olympic team jumping competition in Hong Kong.

Following the horse’s withdrawal from the first round, due to the horse having come out of the stable extremely stiff, the British team requested that the horse be allowed to run today. The ground jury agreed.

However, 7 out of the 9 teams competing today — only Germany abstained — lodged a protest. The ground jury upheld its original decision to allow Peppermill to run.

The 7 nations then launched a formal appeal to the appeal committee. The appeal committee decided that the horse was not eligible to compete.

Had he just been cantered through the start in the first round, he would have been eligible, but the team decided it was neither in the horse’s nor the sport’s interest to do that.

Article 264.4 in the Rules for Jumping Events (nations cups) states:

4.1 A full Nations Cup team comprises four competitors, each riding the same horse throughout the competition. All members of each team must take part in the first round, except as stated in paragraph 4.2 below and in apragraph 7.2.

4.2 If a team, comprising four competitors, cannot improve its placing in the first or second round after its third competitor has completed his course, the fourth competitor may be withdrawn.

Because they have not competed in the team competition, John and Peppermill will not be eligible for the individual competition.

Stay in touch with all the Olympic show jumping news from Hong Kong on Horseandhound.co.uk

Olympic cross-country course designer hits out at “interference” from the FEI

Horse & Hound — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:08:06 +0000

Cross-country course designer Mike Etherington-Smith has hit out at FEI “interference” after being forced to comply with a request from FEI president Princess Haya to make a last-minute fence change to the Olympic course.

Neither officials nor team managers had asked for any alterations to the course, but he claims the president was asked to make the request by another person.

Admitting to being “furious”, he said: “It’s not for her to intervene, although I know she was put up to it. This sort of thing just undermines officials.”

During a drive with FEI committee members around the course on the afternoon before cross-country, the Princess requested decorative boulders be removed from under the Stone Garden at Fence 18 in case a horse was injured.

Mike’s wife, Sue, had to rush off to a local nursery and conjure up 14 fir trees instead.

Mike, who will design the cross-country at the 2010 World Games, said that the whole issue, which flew across websites all over the world, had been over-dramatised.

“We need to move forward from this,” he said. “Through British Eventing [where he is director of sport], I will, of course, continue to make our research on cross-country safety available to the FEI and to help in any way I can.”

Stay in touch with all the news from Hong Kong on Horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H’s special Olympic eventing issue, on sale FRIDAY 15 August, ’08

Parkmore Ed held at first vets’ inspection in Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:42:29 +0000

The British team suffered some anxious moments at today’s first vets’ inspection at the Olympic three-day event in Hong Kong when William Fox-Pitt’s ride Parkmore Ed was sent to the holding box.

The ground jury was concerned over the presence of a girth gall just behind the saddle, but after conferring with vets they passed the horse.

“It’s a first for me,” said William. “The gall was caused by the girth being too tight or rubbing. He’s had it for a few days, but ironically today it was more swollen. I hope by the time the next inspection occurs they’ll have more important things to worry about.”

The rest of the British horses passed the first trot-up without incident. Only two horses, Literal from Chile and Butterfly from Brazil, failed.

Britain’s team order has now been confirmed with William and Parkmore Ed running second behind pathfinders Daisy Dick and Spring Along, who fulfilled the same role at last year’s Europeans in Pratoni. Tina Cook and Miners Frolic will be number three, Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town will run as number four, with Mary King and Call Again Cavalier given the anchor slot.

Mary admitted that she has been surprised by the intensity of Mike Etherington-Smith’s 29-fence cross-country course.

“There are a lot of jumping efforts in 8min of galloping,” said Mary. “The course is a lot bigger than in Athens and is a true four-star test. I think the time will be virtually impossible to get.”

Course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith confirmed that he didn’t believe any one of the 72 runners would get within the optimum.

The weather forecast is looking promising for Monday, when the cross-country is scheduled to start at 8am. The searing heat that is usual for Hong Kong in August has not yet materialised. The typhoon that passed over earlier in the week has left cooler and rainy conditions in its wake, which has also assisted the going.

“We did need rain. Maybe not quite as much as we’ve had in the last two days, but the wet makes the sandy footing more secure,” said Mike.

Mike also confirmed that, based on the current weather forecast, none of the loops especially designed for removal should conditions dictate it, will need to be taken out. However, should Hong Kong be subject to the deluge it experienced this morning, the start of the cross-country is likely to be delayed.

Stay in touch with all the Olympic news as it happens on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s full report from the Olympic eventing in Hong Kong — on sale Friday 15 August.

Olympic Games 2008: riders’ diaries

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:53:32 +0000

Mary King, Tim Stockdale and Jane Gregory share their highs and lows in the run up to, and throughout, the Olympic Games.

Tim Stockdale

Individual competition

Team competition

First round of the competition

Tim’s picture gallery

Mary King

Mary’s picture gallery

Mary’s career history

Mary King interview on Countrylife.co.uk

Jane Gregory

Jane’s picture gallery

Jane’s firsts and lasts

Who is Jane Gregory?

London 2012 Olympic Games hopefuls will travel to Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:39:21 +0000

Nine British equestrian 2012 Olympic hopefuls are traveling to Hong Kong to experience this year’s Games — to try to give them an edge should they make it to the London Games.

The British Olympic Association has invited three young talents from eventing, show jumping and dressage, to join “Britain’s Olympic Ambition 2012”.

They will see Team GB’s preparation camp, the Olympic village and the athletes’ lodge, watch the equestrian competitions and attend a press conference.

Advanced medium national dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin, 20, is one of the nine heading to Hong Kong.

She told H&H: “It will be such an eye-opener and a great opportunity.”

Team GB chef de mission Simon Clegg said: “Research shows that a high percentage of medallists at any Olympics have attended previous Games.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 July, ’08)

Maria Eilberg is travelling reserve for British dressage team

Horse & Hound — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:27:07 +0000

Maria Eilberg and Two Sox have been chosen as the travelling reserves for the British dressage team at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

They will travel to Hong Kong as a reserve rider and horse combination. Maria will also be there to offer support and assistance to the team of Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emma Hindle and Jane Gregory.

Ireland to send eventing team to the Olympic Games

Horse & Hound — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:44:31 +0000

Ireland will send an eventing team to this summer’s Olympics, Horse Sport Ireland announced last Sunday

The decision follows a meeting between chef d’equipe Ginny Elliot and owners, riders and trainers — and Geoff Curran’s win at the World Cup qualifier at Tattersalls (read report in the current issue of Horse & Hound, p44).

A squad of 14 has been selected (see full list below), which will be reduced to eight before 16 June, with the final line-up to be announced after Barbury Castle horse trials in early July.

“I am happy that enough riders will give full commitment to the programme over the next two and a half months,” said Ginny.

Ireland secured five Olympic places through riders’ individual world rankings.

Irish eventing squad

Geoff Curran (Balladeer Alfred and Kilkishen)
Jayne Doherty (Art Attack)
Niall Griffin (Lorgaine)
Louise Lyons (Watership Down)
Joseph Murphy (Master Boy)
Austin O’Connor (Hobby Du Mee)
Michael Owen (King Bob)
Sacha Pemble (Hyanie d’Aubrie)
Elizabeth Power (Kilpatrick River)
Michael Ryan (Old Road)
Donal Healy (Master Imp)
Patricia Ryan (Fernhill Clover Mist)
Steven Smith (Quality VH)
Sarah Wardell (Kincluny)
Sam Watson (Ballybolger Bushman)

British eventing team announced for 2008 Olympic Games

Charlotte White — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:02:09 +0000

British Eventing and the British Olympic Association have today announced the GB eventing team for the Beijing Olympics.

Team members are William Fox-Pitt riding either Ballincoola, Parkmore Ed or Tamarillo; Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town; Mary King with either Call Again Cavalier or Imperial Cavalier; Zara Phillips and Toytown and Lucy Wiegersma on Shaabrak.

Yogi Breisner: “As the team manager I am fortunate to have five such talented riders on the team, and I am very grateful to all the owners for making such excellent horses available.”

Two groups of reserve riders have been named.

1st Reserves (in alphabetical order)

Kristina Cook (Miner’s Frolic)
Daisy Dick (Hope Street or Spring Along)
Ruth Edge (Two Thyme)
Oliver Townend (Flint Curtis)

2nd Reserves (in alphabetical order)

Georgie Davies (Fachoudette)
Pippa Funnell (Ensign)
Rodney Powell (Zin Zan II)
Polly Stockton (Tom Quigley)
Oliver Townend (Coup de Coeur)
Nicola Wilson (Opposition Buzz)

Share your thoughts about the team in the H&H forum

Team member stats

WILLIAM FOX-PITT

2008 third, Badminton (Ballincoola)

2007 first, Burghley (Parkmore Ed)

2006 team silver, individual

15th World Equestrian Games, Aachen (Tamarillo)

2005 first, Burghley (Ballincoola)

2004 team silver, Olympic Games, Athens, Greece (Tamarillo)

2004 first, Badminton (Tamarillo)

MARY KING

2007 team gold and individual silver, European championships, Pratoni (Call Again Cavalier)

2007 second, Pau CCI**** (Imperial Cavalier)

2006 team silver, World Equestrian Games, Aachen (Call Again Cavalier)

ZARA PHILLIPS

2007 team gold and individual sixth, European championships, Pratoni (Toytown)

2006 individual gold and team silver, World Equestrian Games, Aachen (Toytown)

2005 individual and team gold, European championships, Blenheim (Toytown)

SHARON HUNT

2008 fifth, Badminton (Tankers Town)

2006 sixth, Badminton (Tankers Town)

2006 senior squad debut as an individual at World Equestrian Games, Aachen — finished ninth (Tankers Town)

LUCY WIEGERSMA

2008 second, Badminton (Shabraak)

2007 seventh, Burghley (Shabraak)

2006 seventh, Badminton (Shaabrak)

2004 first, Blair CCI*** (Shabraak)

Olympic Games 2008: latest equestrian team news

Horse & Hound — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:35:39 +0000

United States names Olympic eventing team [15 July, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/263523.html

Samantha Taylor joins Canada’s eventing squad [15 July, ’08]

Samantha Taylor and Livewire have been selected as the fifth rider/horse combination for Canada’s eventing team, following the withdrawal of Jessica Phoenix and Exploring.

Bettina Hoy ruled out of the 2008 Olympic Games [14 July, 2008]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/263426.html

Albert Zoer may miss the Olympic Games through injury [14 July, 2008]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/263412.html

William Fox-Pitt to ride Parkmore Ed at the Olympics [09 July, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/263106.html

Irish eventing team selected for the Olympics [7 July, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/262978.html

Australia names Olympic Games equestrian teams [7 July, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics/7285/262955.html

Canada’s Jessica Phoenix out of the Olympics [7 July, ’08]

Following an injury sustained during training, Exploring ridden by Jessica Phoenix, has been withdrawn from the Canadian Olympic eventing team.

Canada names Olympic eventing team [18 June, ’08]

Kyle Carter riding Madison Park
Sandra Donnelly riding Buenos Aires
Selena O’Hanlon riding Colombo
Jessica Phoenix riding Exploring
Michael Winter riding King Pin

New Zealand Olympic eventing team announced [17 June, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/391/258804.html

Canada names Olympic show jumping team

Eric Lamaze on Hickstead
Jill Henselwood on Special Ed
Mac Cone on Ole
Ian Millar on In Style

British dressage team chosen for Beijing Paralympics [16 June, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/397/258781.html

Two British Olympic pentathletes named [16 June, ’08]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/258746.html

Zara Phillips out of the Olympics [11/06/2008]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/258336.html

Dolendo ruled out of Olympic Games for Carl Hester [09/06/2008]

www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/388/258189.html

Ireland to send eventing team to the Olympic Games

www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/391/257955.html

America reveals Paralympic dressage team

Robin Brueckmann riding Radetzky
Barbara Grassmyer riding Mibis
Rebecca Hart riding Norteassa
Keith Newerla riding Walk on the Moon
Lynn Seidemann riding Rolex Toltien

America names Olympic eventing short-list [22 May, ’08]

Stephen Bradley with Brandenburg’s Joshua
Bruce Davidson, Jr. with BallyNoe Castle RM
Phillip Dutton with Connaught, The Foreman or Woodburn
Will Faudree with Antigua
Becky Holder with Courageous Comet
Gina Miles with McKinlaigh
Karen O’Connor with Mandiba or Theodore O’Connor
Kim Severson with Tipperary Liadhnan
Amy Tryon with Leyland or Poggio II
Heidi White with Northern Spy

The following horse/rider combinations are substitutes:

Stephen Bradley with From
Clark Montgomery with Up Spirit
Bonnie Mosser with Merloch
Jennifer Wooten with The Good Witch

British eventing team named [9 May, ’08]

The British Olympic eventing team will comprise William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Zara Phillips, Lucy Wiegersma and Sharon Hunt. Read the full story.

42 countries qualified for Olympics [9 May, ’08]

A total of 42 countries have qualified, either with team or individual, to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Jumping teams

Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
Great Britain
Germany
Hong Kong
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
The Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Switzerland
Sweden
Ukraine
USA

Jumping individuals

Argentina – 1 rider
Azerbaijan – 1 rider
Belgium – 1 rider
Bermuda – 1 rider
Colombia – 1 rider
Egypt – 1 rider
Guatemala – 1 rider
Ireland – 1 rider
Jordan – 1 rider
Japan – 2 riders
Russia – 2 riders
United Arab Emirates – 1 rider
Venezuela – 1 rider

Dressage teams

Australia
Brazil
Canada
Great Britain
Germany
Japan
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Sweden
USA

Plus countries with three individuals qualified from the same nation to make up a team.

Denmark
Spain

Dressage individuals

Antigua – 1
Austria – 2
Belgium – 1
Belarus – 1
China – 1
Finland – 1
France – 2
Italy – 1
Korea – 1
Mexico – 1
South Africa – 1
Russia – 1

Eventing teams

Australia
Brazil
Canada
France
Great Britain
Germany
Italy
Sweden
USA

Plus countries with three individuals qualified from the same nation to make up a team.

Ireland
New Zealand

Individual eventing

Argentina – 1
Austria – 1
Belgium – 2
Belarus – 2
Chile – 2
China – 1
Denmark – 1
Jamaica – 1
Japan – 1
The Netherlands – 2
Poland – 2
South Africa – 1
Russia – 2
Switzerland – 1

America eventing squad news [8 May, ’09]

The United States Equestrian Federation intends to announce the US Olympic eventing team on 15 July, based on the performances of short listed riders at Barbury Castle Horse Trials CIC*** (3-6 July) and The Fork Stables in Norwood, North Carolina (11-12 July).

Australia: Two riders selected [23 April, ’09]

The Australian Equestrian Federation has named dressage rider Kristy Oatley and show jumper Edwina Alexander as Olympic riders in Hong Kong. Kristy has Quando-Quando and Don Bolero, while Edwina has three horses to choose from — Isovlas Pialotta, Isovlas Socrates and Isovlas Itot du Chateau.

Australia: dressage short-list released [23 April, ’09]

Australia’s dressage selectors have announced their short-list for the Olympic Games. The combinations selected are:

Mary Hanna (Port Said 10 and Rambo)
Kristy Oatley (Quando-Quando and Don Bolero)
Brett Parbery (Victory Salute)
Rozzie Ryan (Donna Carrera)
Maree Tomkinson (Lanzaro)
Heath Ryan (Greenoaks Dundee)

Mark Todd due to arrive back in Britain on Sunday

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:13:10 +0000

Double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd is heading to the UK this weekend in a late bid for 2008 Olympic Games selection. He is due to arrive on British shores on Sunday 20 April.

After successfully completing the first leg of the Olympic qualifying criteria at the Puhinui three-day event in March, he now needs to complete another three star competition within the set guidelines to be considered.

Mark’s hopes are currently pinned on the Saumur three-day event in France on 15-18 May, where he will be riding Gandalf, the 10-year-old grey gelding he bought in January.

Failing that Mark and Gandalf have one other chance to be selected — at Bramham in June.

Mark said: “I am very comfortable and happy with Gandalf. We’ll do another couple of competitions in the UK and again, I won’t have a lot of time before Saumur and hopefully if that all goes well, then we’ll just concentrate on the build-up towards Beijing.”

Eight New Zealand riders are competing for five spots at the Olympics. The successful team will be named in late June after they have all competed in a series of events in the UK.

Mark added: “I don’t really know how I rate in form against some of the others, but obviously when I go to Saumur I will need to put up a good performance to catch the selectors’ eye.”

It would be a record sixth Olympic Games for Mark, 52, who won gold medals in 1984 and 1988.

View pictures of Mark Todd’s career from the Horse & Hound archives

Jackie Chan promotes 2008 Olympic equestrian events

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:20:23 +0000

Kung Fu movie star Jackie Chan has filmed a short video on horseback to promote the 2008 Olympics equestrian events, which will be held in his hometown — Hong Kong.

The star of Hollywood films ‘Rush Hour’, ‘The Tuxedo’ and ‘Shanghai Noon’ filmed a promotional video at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Beas River Country Club on Monday, 11 February.

The 30-second video is available in English and Mandarin and will be aired next month in mainland China as well as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia and Europe.

It will be broadcast on various channels including National Geographic, ESPN, Eurosport and AXN.

Dressed in full equestrian attire, tourism ambassador and 2008 Beijing Olympics goodwill ambassador Jackie urges audiences to visit Hong Kong — not only watch the equestrian event but also to enjoy the unique culture.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is hoping that Jackie’s appearance in the video will draw more people to the equestrian event.

Beijing was forced to hand the equestrian events to Hong Kong due to outbreaks of equine diseases and substandard quarantine procedures in China.

Australia secures Olympic slot for dressage team

Horse & Hound — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:53:08 +0000

The Australian dressage team have secured their place for Hong Kong 2008 following assessments at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on 4 February.

It is the first time the country has qualified a dressage team, apart from Sydney 2000 where they were granted qualification as host nation.

Australia’s Brett Parberry and Heath and Rozzie Ryan finished on a team score of 196.167 to put them in front during their Asia-Pacific regional Olympic Qualifying Assessments.

Brett Parberry riding Carolyn Lieutenant’s Victory Salute, achieved the highest score of his team, 66.917%, saying: ‘When I left the arena I thought I’d blown it, then I heard the score and I thought sometimes you can be lucky.”

Team-mates Heath and Rozzie Ryan scored 64.708% and 64.542% respectively riding Greenoaks Dundee and Donna Carrera.

This put Australia ahead of Japan, who scored 194.792 in their assessment. Japan now have to wait for New Zealand’s result tomorrow (7 February), to see which of these two teams will take the final team position available to the region.

What Mark Todd needs to do to qualify for the Olympics

Pippa Roome — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:59:24 +0000

To qualify for the Olympics, riders and horses, as a combination, have to have achieved a “qualifying result” at a CCI****, or at a CCI*** plus a CIC***, with these results achieved between 1 January 2007 and 30 June 2008.

An FEI qualifying result is:

No more than 75 penalties in the dressage
No more than 16 jumping penalties in the show jumping
No more than 20 jumping penalties across country
No more than 36 time-penalties (48 at CCI****) across country

New Zealand is not qualified as a team for the Olympics, but it is very likely they will qualify five riders for Hong Kong by virtue of their position on the rider rankings — this will be confirmed on 1 May.

New Zealand team manager Blyth Tait confirmed to H&H that these riders secure a nation spot, but are not necessarily the riders who will represent that nation — the five who actually compete at the Olympics will be chosen by the New Zealand Eventing selectors.

Click here for more information on Olympic qualification procedures.

Mark Todd plans an Olympic comeback in Hong Kong

Pippa Roome — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:53:19 +0000

Mark Todd is planning a comeback to eventing — and could even ride at the Olympics this summer.

The legendary New Zealander, who won individual Olympic gold medals back-to-back on Charisma in 1984 and 1988, has bought Gandalf, a 10-year-old grey who won the CIC*** at Richfields last year.

“He was available to be bought, so I flew up to Auckland, tried him out, had him vetted and it all happened very quickly. There wasn’t a lot of planning involved, it all just happened,” said 51-year-old Mark, whose comeback is being sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock.

“I’m looking at this as a challenge and a bit of fun and I’m putting absolutely no pressure on myself. If it happens, it happens and that’s how I’m approaching it.”

Mark’s former team-mate Andrew Nicholson said: “It would be the best thing that could happen for the whole sport to have him back.”

Mark and Gandalf will have their first major outing at Arran Station, in Hawke’s Bay on 24 February. The aim then will be the Manakau City Puhinui three-day event (13-16 March).

“Gandalf has got a good record,’’ said Mark. “He’s a very good jumper and he looks after himself so that sounds good to me. I might need a little looking after.”

Mark bowed out of top-level eventing at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, where he won an individual bronze medal, and moved back to New Zealand, where he has been training racehorses.

“I’ve been riding every day but that’s been racehorses,” he said. “I’m fit but I’m going to have to get more particularly fit for eventing.

“I feel that I’m going to be able to just slot back in but until you actually get out there and do it, you don’t really know. In my mind, I can still do it all. Whether the body will operate, I don’t know.

“Some people might think I’m on free ticket to the Olympics but that’s just not going to happen. My performance is going to have to be as good as or better than the other team members and at this stage I’m not even qualified, so it’s a long journey in a short time.”

What Mark Todd needs to do to qualify >>

Tighter dope tests promised at 2008 Olympic Games

Horse & Hound — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:11:06 +0000

Competitors at the 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong (8-21 August) will face faster and more stringent dope testing than ever before, claim its organisers.

“Horse samples always take longer to test than human ones and we’re trying to get more in line with human testing,” said Frits Sluyter, head of the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) veterinary department.

“We try to make the testing time as short as possible, and we are lucky that in Hong Kong all the staff at the FEI laboratory [already situated there] will be dedicated to working on the Olympics.”

At the Athens Olympics in 2004, four horses turned in positive dope tests a month after the event, including that of Ireland’s individual show jumping gold medallist Cian O’Connor. He later lost his medal, but the time delay in making these results known has long been a problem.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) positive dope test rate of 0.06% in horses is five times less than the world average. This is attributed to the stringent doping controls that protect the integrity of racing there. A staggering 150 horses are tested before racing at each meeting — a massive operation, but one that ensures a clean sport and public confidence.

“We don’t catch everyone, but we’re not far behind,” promises Dr Terence Wan, chief racing chemist and head of the 43-staff HKJC laboratory at Sha Tin racecourse.

His laboratory, which has 16 CCTV cameras monitoring analysis procedures, is one of only four facilities accredited to and regularly used by the FEI. It checked three out of the four positive tests from the Athens Olympics and has not reported a false positive in its 37-year history.

The racecourse has US $8million-worth of facilities, including 24 modern mass spectrometers which generate “chemical fingerprints” for drug identification.

Dr Wan added: “It is a hugely hectic process, but we are control freaks. Our aim is to enhance public confidence in our sport.”

Some 50-60 horses are normally tested at an Olympic games, but with such facilities on site, slightly more are likely to be sampled in Hong Kong, said Mr Sluyter: “We always test medal-winners and then sample at random, but this time we’ll also be testing the Paralympic horses which for the first time fall under the FEI umbrella.”

British team performance director Will Connell said dope testing is getting more stringent in all sport.

“It just happens in equestrianism — and history shows this — that it’s more likely cheating will take place in doping the horse rather than rider,” he said. “If we want to be seen as a drug-free sport, it’s only right and proper that we have more stringent doping procedures.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (3 January, ’07)

Hong Kong test event: We want your questions

Horse & Hound — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:39:07 +0000

What would you like to know about the Hong Kong test event? Do you have a question about the facilities or conditions for next year’s Olympics?

H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome was at the recent Olympic test event in Hong Kong. If you would like to ask her a question e-mail: hheditor@ipcmedia.com with Hong Kong in the subject line.

Pippa will answer a selection of questions in a future article on www.horseandhound.co.uk

View the Hong Kong gallery >>

Thumbs up for Hong Kong test event

Pippa Roome — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:15:52 +0000

Vets and riders gave the Hong Kong Olympic test event the thumbs up after horses coped well with the cross-country last Sunday (12 August).

The weather for the “Good Luck Beijing Cup” was favourable, with rain bringing temperatures down from the 30°Cs earlier in the week to 26-29°C for the cross-country. But British chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner said the systems had had a good test.

“I think we know fairly well what we are dealing with,” he said.

Fifteen horses completed the 4,347m CCI** course, including two from Britain. Course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith used only half the area available on the golf course at Beas River for next year’s Olympics, so riders went twice round the same jumps.

“I felt a marked difference going up the hill after the 17th fence — my horse started to tire,” said Britain’s Amy Young. “He felt a bit down galloping after that, but he was still clearing his fences well.”

Only eventual winner Frank Ostholt (from Germany) made the time over the hilly, twisty course, but all the riders said their horses coped well with the humid conditions.

“I knew if we had all the cooling facilities in place horses could compete safely and I’m happy with how it’s gone,” said British vet John McEwen, chairman of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) veterinary committee.

The organisers had to cope with a typhoon warning — the first trot-up was postponed overnight — and monsoon-like rain for 2hr before the cross-country.

“It’s good that we had the rain, it put the systems under pressure,” said Mike Etherington-Smith. “The venue coped really well — the Hong Kong Jockey Club has done a fantastic job with the footing preparation.”

Riders praised the facilities at Beas River and those for the dressage and show jumping, 30min drive away at Sha Tin Racecourse. The stables are air-conditioned, with an air-conditioned indoor school (pictured above) at Sha Tin, plus six outdoor schools and grass gallops.

“Some small things need sorting, such as the location of the misting tents,” said Yogi Breisner. “And the start of the cross-country was delayed by 40 minutes because the ice lorry couldn’t get through security.”

Transport received the most criticism, with infrequent, slow shuttles between hotels and the competition venues.

View photo gallery from the venue >>

Hong Kong test event

Horse & Hound — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:29:35 +0000

Click here to view the gallery >>

Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian venues now ready

Horse & Hound — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:44:13 +0000

Construction of the equestrian venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic events has now been completed.

Taking just under two years to build, the facilities include a main competition arena with seating for around 19,000 at Penfold Park, in the centre of Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories.

A total of 13 training arenas for dressage and jumping have also been completed, and a temporary 5.7km cross-country course at the Beas River Country Club and adjacent Hong Kong Golf Club.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) used recycled telegraph poles for jumps, and installed energy efficient lighting and air-conditioning in 270 stables.

The club claims that the facilities will set new world standards in terms of quality, environmental consideration, cost effectiveness and legacy value.

The HKJC will also make available its fleet of horseboxes, its equine hospital and its racing laboratory.

The venues will be used this August for the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup, at which three UK riders will be competing (news, 14 June).

www.beijing2008.com

British eventers named for Olympic test event

Horse & Hound — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:52:19 +0000

Amy Young (pictured), Amanda Ratcliffe and Caroline Moore have been named as the three British event riders who will travel to the 2008 Olympics test event in Hong Kong this August (news, 30 November 2006).

The event will run as a CIC** but is a key part of preparations for the three Olympic disciplines and one Paralympic discipline.

British Equestrian Federation (BEF) performance director Will Connell said: “This event will provide us with vital information that will assist us in optimising our plans for Hong Kong.”

The trip is being organised and funded by the BEF through the World Class Programme.

www.bef.org.uk

www.beijing2008.com

Thousands enter design Olympic jump competition

Horse & Hound — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:31:38 +0000

A total of 2,093 entries have been received for the Bejiing Olympics Jumping Fence Design Competition, which was reported in the 1 February issue of H&H.

A shortlist of 60 entries is being drawn up and the final winner will be announced on 1 April. The winner will receive £650 and their entry, alongside those of the runners-up, will be exhibited in Hong Kong.

The majority of entries were from under 16s, while 270 entries were received from adults. Eighty-three entries were submitted by professional designers.

“We are very pleased with the enthusiastic response, especially from the primary and secondary schools,” said Nancy Pang, marketing director of the Olympic Equestrian Company. “Indeed, one of the main objectives in organising this competition is to encourage students to explore what the Olympics and equestrian sport are, to examine Chinese culture and Hong Kong identity, and to exercise their visual creativity.”

On 27 March, the 60 shortlisted entries, which include 30 from the junior section and 15 from both the senior and professional sections, will go on display to commemorate the 500 day countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

H&H Hong Kong blogs

H&H in Hong Kong: Relaxing away from the Olympics

Horse & Hound — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:05:14 +0000

It’s midnight and as I make my way out of a 12th floor warehouse and onto the streets of Ladies Market, Hong Kong, I admire my new ‘designer’ handbag and congratulate myself on the price paid.

This is Hong Kong – shopping is king. From accessibly priced designer shops in luxurious, air-conditioned Malls to the fantastic street markets selling everything from pashminas to antiques way into the early hours of the morning, it hard not to be enticed. The comforting thing about what could be seen as a tourist trap, is that the markets are as full of locals enjoying the shopping experience as they are of tourists. Bartering is essential and some of these sales people have turned the experience into a performance art. “Aiiiyyyyy,” screeches the girl parting with two of her precious products and stamping her feet in a mock tantrum (she must be about 16), “you are lucky I am soooo tired.”

I wonder how much time the Olympic athletes will have to get out and about during the 10 days of equine quarantine in preparation for the games? How tight will security be at the as-yet-unnamed hotel that will become the Olympic Village for the equestrian competitors? The hotel is located very close to Sha Tin racecourse where the equestrian competition, with exception to the cross-country, will be held. All the action will take place at the beginning and the end of each day to avoid the oppressive August heat and humidity.

Of course there will be other, more cultural distractions than shopping for the Olympic visitors. Let me, briefly, set the scene: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, since the hand over on 1 July 1997, consists of a group of islands and a penninsula of mainland that extends back to the Chinese border. The largest of these islands is Hong Kong itself and the land on the opposite side of what is known as the harbour, is Kowloon and the New Territories.

So what will there be to do in between training and while waiting for the big event – apart from shopping? Well, the city of Hong Kong nestles back into a mountain ridge known as The Peak and our athletes could begin by taking one of Hong Kong’s cable cars to the Peak for a view over the city and across the Victoria Harbour. Alternatively another, longer ride will take you to Lantau Island, over miles of country park, to see “the largest seated bronze buddha in the world”.

Closer to home, they could watch the “the world’s largest light and sound show”, held every night from 8.00pm-8.15pm across the breathtaking skyline from one of the iconic Star ferries that make their way from one side to the other so frequently that it’s not necessary to check the timetable. Or they could visit the relaxed seaside town of Stanley with its market and Maritime Museum, housed in a restored colonial home moved brick-by-brick from its original site in the City.

Getting around Hong Kong is easy and as well as the trains, trams and buses, walking is one of the quickest and most pleasurable ways of getting a feel for where everything is. I haven’t as yet seen anyone hacking around the streets, but I guess in August 2008, even that might be possible.

H&H in Hong Kong: The popularity of riding

Horse & Hound — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:13:02 +0000

I promise I will never moan about having to wait for a lesson with my instructor, or not being able to find a show that suits my ability and availability, ever again.

Before the announcement that the equestrian competitions for the 2008 Beijing Olympics were going to be held in Hong Kong, they had an 18-month waiting list here for riding lessons. That has now grown to two, and in some schools three, years with between 2000-3000 people waiting their chance.

Such is the demand that across the border in China, a bunch of riding establishments have sprung up to accommodate the less patient. Crossing the borders is not difficult for Hong Kong residents – they just need to show their residency cards – so families go over for a weekend to use the facilities.

There are nine public riding schools in Hong Kong supporting the 1500 riders currently taking lessons. Three of these are run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), who also run a fourth private riding club at Beas River Country Club, where the cross-country phase of the eventing will be held during the Olympics.

The majority of the 30 – 40 local and international shows that take place are also held at Beas River, largely because of the space and top class facilities. Hong Kong has yet to field an Olympic rider but several local sons have won show jumping competitions at the South East Asia rounds of the World Cup series. The vast majority of riders in Hong Kong are male as, here, it is regarded as a dangerous sport and an expression of bravery and there is no PR battle to persuade riders to wear safety clothing.

Dressage used to be the competition of preference, but as abilities and courage have grown so has the popularity of show jumping. Very little eventing takes place at present, but with over 60% of Hong Kong covered in country parks and conservation areas, if the ‘legacy’ of the Olympics achieves its targets, you get the feeling it won’t be long.

The vast majority of horses are Thoroughbreds. There are, I was told, only five warmbloods throughout the country. The exception to this rule are the six Shetlands left behind by a retreating Russian circus. They are now happily ensconced in the Tuen Mun riding school, the largest of those run by HKJC, and doing their ambassadorial bit for the promotion of the horse.

In Hong Kong, horses equal racing and it is true to say that the HKJC is behind almost anything equestrian. Where public riding is concerned, this arrangement works very well as retired race horses that are healthy and potentially suitable go to riding schools to be retrained and have a purposeful new life. And those I saw at Tuen Mun are a good example of rehabilitation. There were certainly a couple there I would like to have smuggled into my excess baggage.

One was Icy Bet, an 18-year-old gelding being ridden by disabled rider Nelson Yip. Nelson, who has cerebral palsy, is a grade II Riding for the Disabled (RDA) rider, who won 1st place in the Grade II session B Freestyle and Musical Dressage at the Australia RDA National Dressage Championships in November 2005.

RDA in Hong Kong was set up in 1975 by the then UK Governor’s wife. It now supports over 170 disabled riders coming largely from local special schools and riding free of charge. Nelson is the only rider from Hong Kong, so far, who has qualified for the Olympic and will be competing in the Paralympics held between 7-11 September.

One of the concerns about the Olympics being held at Hong Kong rather than Beijing (a 3 1/2 hour flight away) is the loss of the unique Olympic atmosphere. The Equestrian Company, who are dealing with publicity and promotion of the event, are doing their utmost to build up anticipation and expectation. However, there’s a two-week gap between the Olympics and the Paralympics during which time many visiting supporters will have to go home, but local support for Nelson is such that there’s going to be no shortage of spectators should he qualify.

That’s not to say that there are no other hopefuls. On the waiting list are Jennifer Chang, Samantha Lam, Gaelle Tong and Kenneth Cheng. Watch out for these names. It’s taken a lot of commitment for them to get this far.

H&H in Hong Kong: Doping at the Olympics

Horse & Hound — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:24:58 +0000

I’ve spent a not inconsiderable amount of time today looking at urine – equine v. human, that is.

It’s difficult to convey the excitement that this inspired but I guess you needed to be in the company of a man called Terence Wan to share the emotion. Mr Wan is Head of the Racing Laboratory at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the only reference laboratory recognised by the Federaton Equeste Internationale (FEI), in Asia – and he is a passionate man, in a Hong Kong kindaway.

Unfortunately doping – both equine and human – is a big issue in equestrian sports these days and medals have been lost and reputations tarnished as a result of getting caught out. And just in case you’re thinking of tampering with any of the Olympic 2008 horses, take my advice – don’t.

It’s Mr Wan’s job and that of his 42 staff and US$8 million worth of state-of-the art testing facilities to spot that which is not as it should be. Three out of the four positive cases from the Athens Olympics had their ‘B’ samples confirmed in Hong Kong.

For the Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian events, Mr Wan and his team will be testing the horses. A random one in five of the Olympic horses will have two urine samples taken. The first will be run through routine tests checking for any drugs or masking agents – Mr Wan has 21 mass spectrometers (don’t ask) that generate “chemical fingerprints” for the known likely suspects. The ‘B’ sample is used as a control, should anything untoward be discovered. In the past this had to be sent to another recognised laboratory beyond the shores of that which made the initial discovery. However, due to the possibility that drug and matrix (the substance within which the drug is contained) degradation can have an impact on testing, this rule has now been changed and the ‘B’ sample can be tested at source.

Unfortunately, this won’t make a huge difference on the time frame within which results will be announced. Mr Wan is very keen “not to compromise quality for efficiency”. He is hoping to turn a regular sample around within three to four days. If further testing is needed this may stretch to 10.

The expertise of the Racing Laboratory is founded on the work they do with racehorses on a regular basis. The Hong Kong racing season runs from about the second week in September through to the first few days of July. All declared starters are pre-race tested on race days and the race horses are also tested during training, and on transfer from stables. But Mr Wan and his team also test samples from the Mainland China authorities, where racing is a growing pastime, and from other major international events such as the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games in Korea and Qatar.

Mr Wan prefers a human sample any day (although the Olympic human samples will go to Beijing for analysis): “Equine samples are dirty,” he says, “give me a human anytime.” (Is this man sure?) However because equine samples are ‘dirty’ they need more thorough analysis and quite often, despite the US$200 charged for a nominated drug test – ie you pick the drug, we’ll test the urine – it ends up costing the Hong Kong Jockey Club money for these routine tests.

“We haven’t had a single case of a false positive in 37 years,” Mr Wan tells us modestly. But that sounds a bit like a warning to me.

Don’t miss Jaki’s other updates from Hong Kong throughout the week here on horseandhound.co.uk.

Do you have any questions you would like H&H to ask the Olympic equestrian event organisers? Please click here to send us your questions or email jaki_bell@ipcmedia.com

For more information on the Hong Kong equestrian events of the Beijing Olympics click here
For more information about London 2012 visit: www.london2012.org

H&H visits Olympic 2008 site in Hong Kong

Horse & Hound — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:05:40 +0000

I’d forgotten that there was another Olympics. In all the hoo haa about Greenwich and London 2012, I’d totally overlooked the fact that another international event was taking place in 2008. If, a year ago, you’d asked me where the 2008 Games were being held, I’d be troubled to reach into the depths of memory and recall its location.

About the same time, a Mr W K Lam had just set up The Equestrian Company in Hong Kong, reporting to the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games (BOCOG). He had two and a half years to kick Hong Kong into action, on behalf of the Chinese government, to be ready to host the equestrian events for 2008.

Hong Kong you say, that doesn’t ring any bells. No, that’s because the remainder of the Olympic sports, with the exception of the sailing events, are being held in Beijing. So why has the Olympic equestrian sports of eventing, dressage and show jumping been banished to Hong Kong?

Well, rumour has it that it has something to do with a large pig farm and the difficulty in providing a site that was suitable to meet International Olympic Committee (IOC) requirements for quarantine facilities in Beijing.

Of course, that’s just the rumour – the official line is that when feasibility studies identified the potential area in Beijing as unsuitable, Hong Kong, with its history of popular racing, incredible veterinary facilities, and experience of handling large scale events, did fit the bill. However, the IOC awarded the 2008 Olympics to Beijing in July 2001 and that feasiblity study must have taken a further four years – a lifetime when organising an event like this – to come to its conclusion.

There are many grey areas connected to the choice of Hong Kong – isolation from the main games diluting the atmosphere, and creating logistics problems, space or the lack of it, and typhoon threats (especially in August when local racing closes down) to name but a few. But the positives outweigh the negatives and Mr Lam is hard at work.

Mind you if I were a betting person and had to put money on someone being able to complete the target on deadline, Mr Lam would be favourite.

There are two sites dedicated to the equestrian events. The first, the Sha Tin racecourse (largest of the two racecourses in Hong Kong) and adjoining Hong Kong Sports Institute, will accommodate the dressage and show jumping to be held in the comparative cool of August evenings. The second, the Beas River Country Club and adjoining Hong Kong Golf Club are being refurbished for the cross-country. Both projects are already well under way and a test event is to be held in August 2007. This will use part of the partially completed facilities to check how humidity is going to affect the horses, amongst many other things.

Another good reason for holding the events here is that the Hong Kong Jockey Club is financing the provision of the facilities. The HKJC is a non-profit making business – if that’s not a contradiction in terms. Basically they pay their taxes to the HK government and then any profits are used for charitable works for the local community from building hospitals to local schools.

“Hong Kong is used to organising these things at break neck pace,” says Mr Lam (who look remarkably composed and definitely not stressed) in a briefing session about the Hong Kong equestrian Olympics that I attended in Hong Kong today – and everyone seems to agree.

I’ll go for £1 to win.

Don’t miss Jaki’s other updates from Hong Kong throughout the week here on horseandhound.co.uk.

Do you have any questions you would like H&H to ask the Olympic equestrian event organisers? Please click here to send us your questions or email jaki_bell@ipcmedia.com

For more information on the Hong Kong equestrian events of the Beijing Olympics click here
For more information about London 2012 visit: www.london2012.org

Thousands register as 2008 Olympics volunteers

Horse & Hound — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:36:48 +0000

Applications have been flooding in for the post of volunteer for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong. Speaking at a “lighting up” ceremony in Tsuen Wan at the weekend, Equestrian Company Chief Executive Office WK Lam told those present that around 99% of the 3,600 applications were received online.

The first batch of 90 to 100 volunteers recruited will become trainer volunteers who are expected to serve from April next year until September 2008. In total, the equestrian events require around 1,800 volunteers to serve both in 2008 and also in the test event in August next year.

Mr Lam also reminded applicants that those who were not selected in the first round could still be chosen in the following two rounds of volunteer recruitment. Those interested in applying can do so at www.equestrian2008.org. The deadline is 22 December.

Meanwhile the equestrian facilities being built at Sha Tin for 2008 are coming along superbly, according to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s corporate development director Kim Mak Kin-wah.

“Given the late announcement in awarding the Olympics equestrian event to us, we had just two years to prepare,’ he said. “But with the fine weather this summer we are well within our proposed schedule.”

A club spokesman also added that the construction of a dozen exercise and trotting rings were already complete, but that the main equestrian event stadium and the media centre are still on hold for now whilst they wait to get hold of the site.

British riders to test Hong Kong facilities

Horse & Hound — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 11:45:29 +0000

Britain is to send several horse and rider combinations to a 2008 Olympics test event in Hong Kong next August.

The two-star event is scheduled to run from 10-12 August 2007, exactly 12 months before the 2008 Olympics and at a time of year when humidity levels can reach 100%.

“It’s a test event for all three disciplines, but the riders will use an eventing competition because it tests all three phases, as well as the procedures and organisation,” said British Equestrian Federation performance director Will Connell.

He added: “We’re going to take two, possibly three combinations, from a short-list we compiled of about six horses. It was important to identify horses that will give us good data — we won’t be sending contenders for 2008 or 2012.”

John Ridley, director of racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who is overseeing the development of the Sha Tin Racecourse into an Olympic equestrian site, expects about 12 overseas visitors.

British World Equestrian Games team silver medallist Daisy Dick said: “The fact that they’ve got a test event will be seriously beneficial to all of us because none of our horses will have competed in those conditions. I’ll be fascinated to hear all the feedback.”

Britain’s eventing team manager Yogi Breisner urged riders who fulfilled specific requirements to volunteer in October. All expenses will be paid for.

“We want a horse of the right age and a similar stamp to what we’d take to the proper Games,” said Breisner.

Although eventers are the only riders to attend, the support team is expected to head to Hong Kong next August.

“We’ll take all the team vets — less about four show jumping vets because the event clashes with Dublin — and all the team managers,” said Connell. “We want to get as much information out of the event as we can — particularly about the flights and dealing with the acclimatisation.”

Veterinary work on the effects of the heat and humidity on the horses is still ongoing, as is work on weather forecasting.

The FEI has also ruled on minor changes to the eventing competition at the Games due to the “very special conditions of Hong Kong”. At a meeting on 17-18 November, the FEI reduced the eventing dressage test to 5mins, and ruled the team and individual jumping competitions be run without a break between them.