INQUIRER Sports

HONG KONG—While many of Hong Kong’s seven million people live in tiny, overcrowded apartments in one of the world’s most densely populated cities, the 218 Olympic horses have been enjoying lavish luxury.

No expense has been spared to ensure the elite horses competing in the Games are as comfortable, happy and safe as possible.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which has a monopoly on equestrian activities in this racing mad city, spent about $150 million on facilities for the Olympic equestrian events.

They are being held in Hong Kong, more than 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) from Beijing, because China could not guarantee a disease-free environment for the horses, some of which are worth millions of dollars.

What the HKJC proudly calls “six-star stables” feature air-conditioning, automatic water dispensers, padded floors and walls to prevent injury, play rooms, and special curtains to prevent the hot summer air from getting in.

Outside these homes are four cooling areas with fans that spray a fine mist of water, chilled to six degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit), in case the horses get too hot.