Emirati horses among those held up by Hong Kong storm

HONG KONG // A tropical storm has delayed the arrival of several horses from the UAE who are due to compete in the Games. A severe storm, Kammuri, is close to the city, the Hong Kong Observatory said. Speeds of 63 kph (40 mph) or more were forecast, forcing the closure of the city's financial markets and causing flight delays. The arrival of two planes carrying 24 horses from the Emirates, China and the US has been delayed, though all are expected to arrive in Hong Kong as soon as the weather clears.

None of the Olympic equestrian horses already in Hong Kong had been affected. The outdoor training arenas are closed and will reopen when the warning is lowered. The indoor arena was open for training yesterday morning, and only "slight damage" to the competition venue has been reported. Most of the 200 or so Olympic horses have now been flown in to the city and are undergoing final preparations before the start of competition on Saturday.

* Reuters