Approaching Typhoon Nuri will keep at least 42 Olympic horses in Hong Kong another day or two.

The competition ended yesterday, and as of press time yesterday some of the horses were still scheduled to be flown out this morning.

Pilots will gauge the weather and decide whether it's safe to depart.

But with the storm threatening to show some effects in Hong Kong this afternoon, a 1:30 pm Martinair flight has already been pushed back until tomorrow morning at 10:35.

That flight, MH094, comprises 12 attendants and 18 dressage horses from Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, France and Brazil.

Upon its return, the same flight had been scheduled to again leave Hong Kong at 5 pm Sunday, but it has been pushed back to 11:15 pm. It will carry 12 attendants and 24 show-jumping horses from China, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Foreign veterinary delegate Leo Jeffcott said yesterday that organizers were working quickly to finish the competition and get the horses out on time. But he conceded: "The final decision, of course, will be with the pilot of the plane".

Yesterday's equestrian finale, the individual show-jumping championship, started on schedule at 7:15 pm. There were no delays, even though the T3 storm warning was hoisted around 8:40 pm.

The last plane of horses is schedule to depart from Hong Kong on Sept 8 with the Australian team aboard.

Most spectators, particularly the locals who are familiar with such warnings, weren't concerned.

"We have brought an umbrella, and the administration has issued raincoats to us, so it will be fine," a woman surnamed Shum said, adding that the competition has been spectacular.

It rained suddenly during the second (final) round of the day, but most of the onlookers opted to stay and put on the raincoats, which were quickly distributed by staff.

(HK Edition 08/22/2008 page1)