Even if you’re not a fan of horse racing or a hardcore gambler – indeed, even if you’ve never set foot in a racecourse before, don’t miss the chance to spend an unforgettable evening here in Happy Valley.
The passion for horse racing in Hong Kong took off in the early colonial period, and since then Happy Valley has become a modern, superbly equipped venue that attracts millions of spectators each year.
Top-level international races take place here several times a year, but every Wednesday evening the racecourse hosts an event you really shouldn’t miss: Happy Wednesday!
With a name like this, you will have guessed that a good time is guaranteed!
The gates open at 5:45 in the evening, and people start flooding it before the races start around 7:15.
This huge racecourse is made up of a race track in the center and a large building on one side with the betting shops, balconies for spectators, restaurants, various service facilities and an interesting horse racing museum. On the opposite side, you can enjoy splendid views of the many skyscrapers next to Happy Valley with their twinkling lights.
Near the track is the Parade Ring, an area where the horses and jockeys warm up before the races, so you can admire these superb animals and perhaps decide which one to place a bet on.
This racecourse is one of the few places where betting is legal in Hong Kong; bets start from ridiculously low amounts, and almost every visitor is tempted to give it a shot even if it’s just to have a horse to cheer on.
When the races start, the atmosphere is electrifying!
The real fun, however, is to be had in the area in front of the terraces, in the Beer Garden, an area with stands where you can eat and drink all kinds of things while you watch the live shows on the various stages.
Let me leave you with an interesting fact: these Wednesday events, which began in 1973, attract about 18,000 people an hour every evening.
Language: English