"Everybody is happy with the horse-friendly environment we have provided. There is no horse having any weather related problem," emphasised John Ridley, Head of Racing Operations, as he gave Channel NewsAsia a brief update today (9 Aug) on venue arrangements for the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR-10th Anniversary Cup which commences on Saturday morning.

When asked what were the challenges he had met in the past two years, Ridley said time was the major hurdle as the Olympic opportunity came very late. "The Club has had four years fewer than other co-hosting cities," he pointed out. "Planning for events in August can also be a challenge. But challenges keep you more focused and concentrated too."

"We looked at improved ventilation, the airflow in each horse stall. The arenas are among the best in the world and had no problem coping with the heavy rain we had early on Thursday morning."

"This weekend is for us to learn and to understand," Ridley added.