Successful Cross Country at Olympic Test Event

The second day of the Good Luck Beijing – HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup, serving as test event for the 2008 Olympic Games, was Cross Country day.

Fifteen riders – Caroline Moore (GBR) on Don Giovanni II who had been in third position after Dressage had withdrawn – competed over the testing 4347m, 24-fence, 34-jumping effort curvy course. Spreading over the rolling countryside of the Beas River country club – one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Asia, the Cross Country – was beautifully built by International Course Designer Michael Etherington-Smith, who will also be in charge of Olympic Cross Country next year.

The only rider to make the 7min55 of time allowed was Germany’s Frank Ostholt on After the Battle (7min51). Staying on his Dressage score of 53.40, he takes the lead. He is followed by fellow countryman Dirk Schrade on Grand Amour (53.60) in runner up position and Shane Rose (AUS) on Stratford Novalis (57.60), third.

Today’s phase proved quite a challenge given the temperature reaching almost 33°C and the 84% humidity. It allowed for testing every side of the competition’s organisation. The atmosphere was steamy but the going was firm and held particularly well despite the ten days of virtually uninterrupted heavy rain.

IOC President Jacques Rogge and members of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 2008 Olympic Games attended today’s competition. “Hong Kong is on course to stage an absolutely fabulous Olympic equestrian event next year,” President Rogge declared. "I am very happy with the preparations. I have spoken with the riders and they are very happy," he continued. The IOC President and the members of the Coordination Commission toured the facilities in company of FEI President and IOC Member HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

It was a successful day, which surpassed everyone’s expectations.

For full results and additional information on the test event, please visit the official website www.equestrian2007.org.

Photo Credit: A successful Cross Country at the Good Luck Beijing – HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup Photo by Ian Jones