Equestrian journalists impressed by HK's Olympic plans

16 March 2007

Ten renowned equestrian journalists from nine countries visited Hong Kong recently to learn about the city's preparations for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events - and after spending two days visiting the sites and facilities and learning every aspect of the project, all of them returned home deeply impressed by the thoroughness of the construction plans.

Jennifer Ansley, Treasurer of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists was among them.  "At first we were a little dismayed that we weren't going to be part of the Beijing Games," she said in an interview with Radio Television Hong Kong, "but having seen the facilities and what is being planned we are all quite excited now.  We understand the importance that it has for Hong Kong, both for the facilities that we hope to leave behind for the HKJC, as well as for the local riding schools that are in need of some more and improved facilities," she added.

Ms Ansley described the venues as "tremendous" and said that construction had already made encouraging progress.  "The facilities for the horses look to be top notch with their thorough air conditioning, and the site in general looks to be progressing quite well," she told RTHK.  "We are all very pleased with the progress being made."

During the two-day visit, the journalists also expressed great interest in the work of the Club's world class Racing Laboratory and Equine Hospital.