HONG KONG : Hong Kong is busy getting ready to host the Olympic equestrian events next month.

With tens of thousands of spectators expected to flock to the races, security will be tight.

On Friday, local journalists got a taste of the big event in the first official media tour of the Sha Tin venues in the outlying New Territories.

John Breen, Security Coordinator, said: "In three weeks' time, the curtain goes up on the first Olympic Games held in Hong Kong. And we are fully ready for the first spectator."

Security for the races will be tight, with at least five stops to get through before being allowed into the venue.

In addition to the police, hundreds of security guards, volunteers and plainclothes officers will be out in force for the event.

The estimated time it takes for one person to pass through the security checks is about one minute, provided that nothing wrong happens along the way. But with long lines and delays expected, organisers say it is hard to tell exactly how long it will take.

Like in Beijing, event co-coordinators in Hong Kong are taking a stern stance to ensure good behaviour from the 15,000 to 18,000 people expected to fill the stands.

They have laid down an extensive list of house rules, including a ban on displaying anything which is considered a political or promotional slogan.

Mobile phones must also be on silent mode in certain areas during competition hours.

And one hopes that it will not be too sunny or it does not rain, because once the races start, umbrellas must stay shut in the stands, although ponchos will be provided in wet weather.

Those who break the rules will be forced to leave, and will have to answer to the police.

With so many rules to follow, some are asking whether it will take the fun out of the events, but organisers insist it is necessary.

More than 225 horses from around the world will take part in the competitions, with the first batch set to arrive in Hong Kong next weekend. - CNA/ms