A glimpse into the world's richest horseracing industry
Happy Valley Racecourse, one of the world's best hippodromes, is a well known Hong Kong landmark.
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The racecourse was initially built in the 1840s, right after the First Opium War, to entertain the British newcomers who flocked to the young colony, but was destroyed in 1918 when a deadly fire burnt it down, killing almost 600 spectators.
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As the years passed, horse racing gained more and more popularity among Hong Kong's gambling-hungry Chinese residents, as it was (and still is) the only form of betting allowed in the territory... As a matter of fact, The money involved in the city's horseracing industry is the highest in the world in terms of per capita.
Watching the mid-week racing, when the stands are crammed with thrilled spectators and the ambiance is electric, is a peerless experience...
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Whether you make it to the races or not, you should consider visiting the Hong Kong Racing Museum on the second floor of the Happy Valley Stand, which features some really interesting exhibitions about the history of horseracing in Hong Kong, from its beginning in the 1840s until our days (as well as about horseracing in general).
The museum is open daily (except Monday), 10 am - 5 pm (Closed on Mondays, Chinese New Year and Christmas).
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The best way to get to the racecourse and the museum is by tram : The tramway makes a loop around the racecourse and you can drop off right in front the Happy Valley Stand, where the museum is. Otherwise, you can also take a walk from MTR-Causeway Bay (10-15 minutes): From exit A, walk along Matheson St. to its end, cross Leighton Rd. and proceed along Wong Nai Chung Rd.
For more details visit the museum's website or call them on: 2966 8065
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Other places of interest around Happy Valley Racecourse:
Happy Valley Racecourse is part of our suggested tour: Causeway Bay, Happy Valley and Shau Kei Wan
