After a half-day journey from Amsterdam, the first batch of 13 horses arrived remarkably well this morning (July 26) at their six-star stable accommodation in Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin).

During the course of the day another 19 competing horses arrived from Europe and the United States. And over the next few days a total of 229 horses from across the globe will arrive at Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Mr Lam Woon-kwong, showed his delight with the arrangements of the transfer of the horses after their arrival when he told the assembled media that all involved in preparation for the competition had gone into Olympic mode as of today.

“I am so pleased with the reports of our veterinarian staff when I visited the stables that all 13 had travelled well,” he said. “Our experience from last year’s trials has been useful as we are prepared for all conditions…. periods of heat or wet weather conditions.”

Mr Lam was accompanied by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, the Head of Veterinary Clinical Services of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Christopher Riggs, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s quarantine officer, Dr Thomas Sit, for a tour of the stables when the horses arrived from the airport.

“The accompanying grooms have told us that they behaved well during the 11-hour flight from Amsterdam,” Dr Riggs said.

“I am sure that all horses will enjoy a good roll in the shavings, have a small feed or light exercise before settling in,” he added.

Dr Sit said he was also pleased with this batch of arrivals as all documents on their behaviour during quarantine were in order