Dear members,
OLYMPICS UPDATES – Hong Kong’s First Olympic Eventing Journey accomplished!
Monday, 2 August 2021 (Hong Kong) – Finally coming to the conclusion day for the Eventing discipline at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Jumping competition kicked off in the afternoon determining the Team winners and the best 25 combinations to the Individual Final. Hong Kong Equestrian rider Thomas Ho and his long-term partner Tayberry have completed the jumping round at Team Final and Individual Qualifier, concluding the Olympic Journey for the pair and Hong Kong Equestrian at Tokyo.
The 490-metre course comprised of 12 obstacles composed of rich Japanese cultural elements including scenery spots, festivals, crafts and symbols. The pair managed to complete the round and settled with 42nd place at the individual ranking. The Team Gold went to the Great Britain with the least accumulated penalty points, Australia and France brought home Silver and Bronze respectively.
This Olympic achievement has been Hong Kong’s historic record as well as Thomas’ personal best. We are very proud of Thomas bringing the Hong Kong Flag back onto the Olympic Equestrian stage after the Jumping team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Hong Kong co-hosted the Equestrian events. The journey is a huge step forward and inspiration to our local riding community.
“It was an incredible experience, the chance of a lifetime. Tayberry tried his heart out and we are very happy with the results. It was always my dad’s dream for Tayberry and I to get to the Olympics and I’m honoured to represent Hong Kong,” said the rider after his Jumping round.
“I couldn’t have done this without my team in Tokyo behind me who have worked just as hard as me to achieve this dream.”
With the Olympics journey coming to a conclusion, Thomas will first travel back to his training base in the UK to catch up with his other horses. He also looks for qualifying for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou and hopefully the World Equestrian Games.
“It is very important to me to compete in Asia and I hope my performance here has allowed people to realise a dream can come true. I’m looking forward to returning to Hong Kong to share my Olympic experience with the younger generation and inspire them to follow the journey I’ve been on.”
Team Coach Stephen Way, with whom Thomas based with in the UK, also wrapped up the journey, “It has been a great experience, especially in the situation with COVID. It was a bit of a shame for Dressage – things do happen sometimes, but Tom and Tay really cracked on Cross Country, proving himself and the horse’s ability. Today’s Jumping went really well – Tayberry at his 20 took a bit of time warming up, but he gave his best and Tom had a good ride!”
Performance Manager Corinne Bracken was very proud of Thomas and Tayberry, said, “I am so proud of them completing the Olympic Games in the sport of Equestrian Eventing. It was the first time Hong Kong has been represented in this sport and Tom has truly made history on completing all 3 disciplines. I hope this gives Tom the experience to move forward to the next Olympics and encourages his other team members to try to do the same. I look forward to Hong Kong having a team at the Olympics in the future.”
The HKEF would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Thomas and Tayberry for their hard work and efforts at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Salute to the Equestrian Delegation – Team Vet, Adrian Farrington; Team Coach, Stephen Way; Groom, Melanie Way; Performance Manager, Corinne Bracken; and Horse Support Personnel, Miranda Rauis – as well as all supporting staff for their effort under these challenging times throughout the preparation and competition period. Special thanks also go to Hong Kong Sports Institute and The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their generous support and sponsorship in making this Olympic journey possible. Last but not least, thank you all members and supporters for your cheering to Thomas and Tayberry.
Please also stay tuned for the remaining Jumping Individual and Team competitions from 3 – 7 August!
Best Regards,
Hong Kong Equestrian Federation
