News this week that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has bid for the rights to host the equestrian events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beijing has 17 equine diseases that pose quarantine issues and the risk of providing a 'disease-free zone' mean that alternative venues need to be considered.

Australia had a similar problem in 1956 when it hosted the Olympics - quarantine issues forcing equestrian events to be held in Sweden.

Shatin racecourse, the infield Penfold Park, and the Sports Institute would all be used in Hong Kong as would the Jockey Club's Beas River property (the latter for the cross country events) if the HKJC's bid is successful.

The benefits to the Jockey Club are numerous and include upgraded and enhanced facilities for horse racing post-Games and the additional exposure for Hong Kong (and the Jockey Club who will supply the venues).