The Racecourse

 
Aerial Photo Of Happy Valley Racecourse


The Heart Of Hong Kong Is Happy Valley


Happy Valley At Night Is A Magnificent Sight


Pan Shot Across One Of Happy Valley's Turf Courses


HKJC Building At Happy Valley

 The city's chief recreational passion — horseracing — lies in a floodlit oasis of green in the heart of Hong Kong Island. The "Sport of Kings," the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, is embraced with unbridled fervor. One racing season, from September to June, can pull in more than HK$91 billion. While there's a second racecourse in Shatin for weekend meets, nothing beats the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of Happy Valley. With its tight tracks and high stands, it resembles a Roman amphitheater. As the travel writer Jan Morris once wrote, "Happy Valley on race day is a bitter, brilliant, grasping place."

The tote on a single night at Happy Valley Racecourse is often equivalent to an entire year's betting at racetracks in the West, and indeed, on race days, it seems that everyone in Hong Kong is participating. Gambling on the horses is Pastime Number One here (and it's taken very seriously), with thousands of spectators flocking weekly to the impressive track, a green expanse with an electric atmosphere surrounded by high-rises: Residents host lovely parties on their balconies while looking down on the action. 

 

Night races are particularly interesting, with bright lights, a frantic atmosphere, and the winnings for picking the right horse can be rather huge. An enormous 20x5.8 meter video screen surrounding the racecourse displays the races in progress, as well as all racing forms, manners of betting, and other relevant details. 

Hong Kong's favorite sport is making money, and in horseracing you have Hong Kong's favorite money sport. Billions are spent every year at the Happy Valley racecourse, an oasis of green in the middle of the city. The season runs from September to June and meetings are usually held here on Wednesday evenings, and occasionally on Saturday or Sunday afternoons when the other course at Sha Tin is being repaired or prepared for a big international meet.

Happy Valley has been home to Hong Kong horse racing racing since 1846. The city virtually grew up around the racecourse.

Happy Valley Racecourse
跑馬地馬場

2 Sports Rd., Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island
(852) 2895 1523 or (852) 2966 8111
Races usually held Sept.-June on Wed. and weekends (first race 7:30pm)
Admission: HK$10


HK Millennium Celebration
Happy Valley Racecourse