Hong Kong rider Patrick Lam, riding his horse Urban, had a strong show Friday night with a clear round during the first qualifier of the individual jumping competition at the Shatin Equestrian Venue.
"It's fantastic, I've never had this feeling in my life. I'm very happy with my horse, he jumped really well," Lam told reporter after finishing his first day jumping competition.
"I have never thought of having a clear round but I have dreamed about it. I'm very proud of my horse", he said.
On coming to the Olympics, he said that he came here to get experience, adding that he had no pressure. "And look at me here now, I had a clear round in the Olympics," he added.
Three riders from the Hong Kong, China team took part in the competition, the first Olympic appearance in the equestrian event.
Four jumpers from China team also concluded their first qualifier with unsatisfied results.
"I can do better. I made a mistake at the 4th obstacle. Having two knockdowns was my fault. My basic technique is not yet good enough," Huang Zuping, one of riders from China team, told reporters.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)