Most Hong Kong people associate horses with a punt at Happy Valley on a Wednesday night. However, local equestrian rider Tara Delaney feels Hong Kong's hosting of the Olympic Equestrian Events will strengthen the population's understanding of the sport and earn the city global sporting recognition.

Delaney told news.gov.hk Hong Kong people know a lot about horseracing but little about horses and equestrian events. Hosting the Olympic Equestrian Events will be a boon for the sport in Hong Kong as it will boost the public's interest in it.

Perfect pair: Local equestrian rider Tara Delaney and her horse Gagnant are pictured in action at the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup, and as they appear in the Olympic Equestrian Events promotion campaign.

Promotional role

Five months pregnant, Delaney will not have the chance to represent her hometown in the August Olympics. However, she is participating on a lesser scale by helping promote the event.

Delaney said she is looking forward to the Hong Kong leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, saying it is a great honour for the city to be the first stop in China. The May 2 event symbolises the passing of the Olympic spirit and embodies the "One World, One Dream" ideal, she added.

The equestrian events are the only Olympic sports involving animals, requiring supreme communication and co-operation between rider and horse.

Top team

Having trained together six years Delaney and her horse Gagnant joined the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup last August, winning the preliminary competition for local entries with 52.9 penalty points. She said the contest was an amazing experience and the facilities of the two Olympic equestrian venues at Sha Tin and Beas River are the best she has experienced.

"I was impressed by the detailed planning of facilities, such as the air-conditioned stables, washing and feeding facilities as well as the indoor training arena which enables training during rainy days and helps the horses adapt to Hong Kong's hot and humid weather."

Delaney said the excellent preparations for the equestrian events will ensure Hong Kong's place in the Olympic spotlight in August.