No horsing around
Sirin P Wongpanit
The Nation (Thailand)
Publication Date : 19-07-2008

Sha Tin Racecourse


Unless you're an inveterate gambler, Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories is unlikely to be a must-see destination on your Hong Kong holiday. And if you did happen to head to the track a couple of years ago, you were probably not all that impressed.
However, the horses who'll be calling it home while taking part in the equestrian events at next month's Olympics Games, are likely to love it, as in just two short years, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has transformed its Sha Tin venue from a mere track to an equine paradise.
Compared with the six to seven years usually required to build world-class facilities, that can only be considered an Olympian accomplishment.
"The International Olympic Committee (IOC) only announced in July 2005 that Hong Kong would co-host the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics," explains Grania Willis, HKJC's Public Affairs Consultant.
"We managed to turn the venue around within two years, which is very impressive when compared to the history."
The entire facilities underwent a major test run last August when participating teams flew in to check the facilities, fine-tune the arena's footing materials, floodlighting and air-conditioning, and make sure that the six-star stabling for the horses lived up to the claims.
For this big event, HKJC pooled all key expertise to recreate the Sha Tin racecourse for the Olympics with the horses' wellbeing as the top priority. The 200 spacious air-conditioned stables are adjusted to the optimal temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, and horses travelling from overseas will be transported in specially designed air-conditioned containers to allow them to acclimatise.
The venue is also equipped with an on-site testing lab for equine samples and elective testing of equestrian teams.
"We have the world's first ever air-conditioned indoor training arenas and mobile cooling units for the horses to cool down comfortably after their vigorous routines," says Willis.
"In the stables, we've installed automatic drinkers to ensure the water freshness, as well as lunging rings, rolling boxes and waterproof ground mats for maximum hygienic conditions. We want to make sure the horses have a great time here."
The equestrian events for the upcoming Olympics will take place from August 9 to 21 and 200 horses are registered to participate. But according to Christopher Yip of Hong Kong Equestrian, which runs the competitions and events, the first batch of horses is scheduled to arrive in Sha Tin before the end of July and the venue will be in full action several days before the start of the competition.
The Olympics equestrian eventing comprises dressage, cross-country and show jumping. While the dressage and jumping will take place in Sha Tin's main arena, the cross-country event will be held at the HKJC's Beas River Country Club in Sheung Shui.
"Details are very important in all areas of our work," explains Willis, gesturing towards the floodlighting poles in the corners of the main arena. "Horses are easily spooked by shadows, so we've made sure that the floodlighting creates a minimum. We've also be careful to choose the right footing materials - they not only have to create minimum reflection, but also have enough bounce and cushioning qualities for the horses' performances and safety."
The arena's footing is made of special sand mixed with shredded fibres, while Beas River grassy courses are covered with Bermuda grasses to ensure protection for the horses' legs on landing. To get around the shadows cast by trees on the cross country course--the Beas River property has been joined with the adjacent golf course for the Olympics--the events have been scheduled for later in the day.
For information and tickets, visit http://ww1.CTSHK.com/BeijingOlympic08/English/Index.htm