On track: Work started this month on the main stables and supporting training facilities at Penfold Park, a recreation area in the centre of Sha Tin Racecourse.

Two years ahead of  the 2008 Olympics, work is progressing well on facilities for the equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.

Work started this month on the main stables and supporting training facilities at Penfold Park, a recreation area in the centre of Sha Tin Racecourse.

It will include a cross-country training track, a bridle trail and four sand training arenas. Work is due to be finished by the end of February.

Two training areas for show jumping and dressage - one grass and one sand - have been completed at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, next to the Sha Tin Racecourse.

The institute will house the main competition arena, with seating for about 19,000, and more than 10 training grounds for show jumping and dressage, more than 200 stables, and offices for event-management officials.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is providing the venues for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events, has committed to invest $700 million to $800 million in building the venues. It said all key contracts had now been awarded..

The cross-country section of the three-day event will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club and adjoining Beas River Country Club in Fanling, in the northern New Territories.

Work on the 5,700-metre cross-country course started in April, with drainage improvement works due to start next month.

All major facilities will be ready by August next year - a year ahead of the Olympic competition - so trial events can be held in comparable weather conditions.

The International Olympic Committee announced in July 2005 its approval for Hong Kong to stage the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.

The Equestrian Events (HK) of the Games of XXIX Olympiad Company Limited is responsible for organising the events for both the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics.