Home Team Pins Hopes on Young Riders

Source: China Daily

(From left) Hong Kong, China equestrian team members Patrick Lam, Samantha Lam and Kenneth Cheng speak to the media yesterday. Edmond Tang

Hong Kong needs to bring in more young riders for the city to be established as an equine capital, leader of the Hong Kong, China Olympics equestrian team Sacha Eckjans said.

The Hong Kong, China team outlined its future plans to the media after they had exceeded expectations in the show-jumping event with 25-year-old Patrick Lam having a flawless ride in the first qualifier and surviving until the third qualifier this past Monday.

The team's next goal is to improve for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and the world championship that year, and for the London Olympics in 2012.

Eckjans said that Hong Kong has the potential to become an equine capital, as it has talented riders and specialists, such as trainers.

The appeal, however, isn't where it could be.

The Hong Kong, China team suffered a setback when Jennifer Lee was forced to withdraw because her horse was hurt, resulting in only three riders for the team.

"We definitely need a good training system for riders who are more talented for high-level competition," Eckjans said. "Going to London is a big step, but there are so many small steps that need to be taken first."

That involves securing funding, as buying a horse will cost between HK and HK million. Then there are the expenses paid to trainers and for veterinary services, as well as paying to send the riders to compete in Europe.

"We are looking for more sponsorship," Eckjans said, adding that he hopes more funding will be found locally after the team's performance.

A new riding school in Clearwater Bay will be opened at the end of this month, adding the number of such schools to 11.

There are about 1,500 riders in Hong Kong, compared with only 1,000 before 2005, when the city decided to host the events. There are between 2,000 and 2,500 students on the waiting list to join the riding schools.

Samantha Lam praised the way the team has come together, saying the group "dynamic" is strong.

Eckjans went as far as to appraise the talents of his team members.

In his eyes, Kenneth Cheng Man-kit is a talented, young rider, but he has to avoid getting arrogant and neglecting details of riding.

Patrick Lam has the advantage of concentration, and he should continue working with his trainer, Eckjans said.

"Samantha is the most experienced rider," he said. "She has the advantage of being very relaxed."

Their first participation in the Olympics has taught them a great deal.

Patrick Lam said he learned to deal with "the ups and downs", and he said: "The jumps are really bigger than I expected".

Kenneth Cheng Man-kit realized the importance of persistence. "You cannot be influenced by a bad jump," he said. "You have to concentrate and never give up," he said. "You also have to take care of both the performance of yourself and the horse."

Samantha Lam put it simply: "We grew up a lot".

Time to relax

Patrick Lam said he plans to take a vacation to the Philippines with his girlfriend.

"I was thinking about my holiday and was wishing to see my dog at home during the competition," he laughed.

Samantha Lam will return to Belgium to rest her back, which she strained during the competition. Then it'll be back to work.

As for the youngest rider, Cheng, he simply said: "I will enjoy life - sleeping, eating and relaxing".

The team will also travel to Beijing for the closing ceremony on Sunday.

(By Teddy Ng and Peggy Chan)

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Editor: Jessie Hwang