Hong Kong eventing rider Tom Heffernan Ho on course to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- The 30-year-old and his horse Tayberry earned two points at the Arville short-course event in Belgium as he looks to secure Asia’s berth in Tokyo
Hong Kong’s Tom Heffernan Ho is halfway to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in the individual eventing competition.
The 30-year-old, who gave up a career in hotel management to ride for Hong Kong, received two points in a short-course eventing programme in Arville, Belgium last weekend and is now looking to perform well in the next long-course event to secure his place in the 2020 Games.
“I am halfway qualified and I need to do a [long course] and I will have secured an individual spot for me and [my horse] Tayberry,” said Ho. “This of course is dependent on whether any other competitors from the group also qualify and the number points they accumulate against what I have accumulated.
“Currently, it is looking pretty good. I’m just looking for better horse power, more horses and sponsors.”
Ho returned to equestrian after a two-year break to help Hong Kong to a bronze at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
Hong Kong were narrowly beaten by China and Thailand in the Olympic team qualifiers for eventing in Saumur, France last month, which would have guaranteed three individual spots.