Wednesday night is race night on Hong Kong Island, when thousands of revelers descend on Happy Valley Racecourse to watch sleek horses thunder around the spotlit track, place a bet or two and drink copious amounts of big-brand beer. The spectacular setting, nestled amid towering skyscrapers and green hills, is reason alone to visit. The racecourse was established way back in 1845, and horse racing has since become a major facet of Hong Kong’s cultural life. Racing turnover for the 2023/24 season alone clocked in at a whopping HK$134 billion.
A typical "Happy Wednesday" runs from 7pm to 10.30pm and features around eight races, with live bands and performances in between. The season lasts from September to July, taking a break in August. You can pay the entrance fee (HK$10) with your Octopus card.
To bet, you must first exchange cash for betting vouchers inside the stands, then use the machine terminals (which have English settings and instructions). Stewards will help.