A delegation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) today visited The Hong Kong Jockey Club to get first-hand information about preparations for the 2008 Olympics equestrian events in Hong Kong.

The IOC delegation was led by Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the Coordination Commission and Gilbert Felli, Olympic Games Executive Director. The group also included a representative from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), Cartin Norinder. The BOCOG delegation was led by Yang Shu'an, Executive Vice President.

Lawrence T. Wong, Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Executive Director of Racing briefed the group on progress of the venue preparations while Timothy Court, lead architect of the project explained details of the facilities.

Both Mr Verbruggen and Mr Yang said they were pleased to see that preparations for the Olympic equestrian events had got off to a good start. The group later toured the Club's equine hospital and racing laboratory, as well as the Beas River Country Club and the Hong Kong Golf Club, where the cross-country competition will be staged.

Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Chief Executive Lawrence T. Wong briefs the delegation on progress of the preparations for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events.	HKJC Executive Director of Racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges outlines the overall venue plan.
Lead architect of the 2008 Olympic equestrian venues, Tim Court, briefs the delegation on the arena design.
Lawrence T. Wong explains the Club's facilities to Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the Coordination Committee (second left) and Olympic Games Executive Director, Gilbert Felli (third right).	IOC delegates discuss doping control details with Dr Terence Wan, Head of the HKJC's Racing Laboratory.
IOC Coordination Commission Chairman, Hein Verbruggen (sixth from right) observes the operation of a horse treadmill that allows thorough examination of the animal's heart and respiratory system.	Timothy Fok, Chairman of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong; Mr. Yang Shu' an, Executive Vice President of BOCOG; and Lawrence T. Wong share their views on the venue preparation work.