HONG KONG, Aug 12 (AFP): IOC President Jacques Rogge said Sunday Hong Kong was ready to host the equestrian competition at next year's Olympics, as German riders continued to dominate the trial event.
Rogge was inspecting the facilities during the cross-country stage of the trial three day event, which has seen international teams test the heat, humidity and heavy rain that hits the territory in August.
When asked if the facilities -- which Hong Kong jockey club has spent 800 million Hong Hong dollars (100 million US) developing -- were ready to host the games, Rogge said: "Absolutely, but we hope for better weather."
Sunday's heavy rain followed Friday's typhoon and saw only one rider -- Frank Ostholt, from Germany -- beat the time limit and avoid any penalty points on the new course.
He now has a total of 53.40, just 0.2 points ahead of his compatriot Dirk Schrade, who led after Saturday's dressage stage.
"The course was very twisty and turny and very up and down, so it was difficult to find a good rhythm," Ostholt said after his round.''
"Considering the amount of rain, it was very impressive how good the ground was," he said.
Australian Shane Rose sits in third place with 57.60 penalty points ahead of Monday's show jumping final stage.
The event -- which is also part of the celebrations to mark the 10-year anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to the Chinese from Britain -- is a dry-run for next year's Olympic equestrian events.
HK ready to host equestrian events at next year's Olympics
FE Team | Published: August 13, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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