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Happy Valley Racecourse

Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island

Description

The Happy Valley Racecourse is the most central of the 2 horse racing venues in Hong Kong (the other being in Sha Tin) and it holds races on Wednesday evenings from September to end June / early July. Its first incarnation goes back to 1845 when the area was swampland. Originally, the races were organised for the British people, but they quickly became (very) popular with the Chinese residents. The races are organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the inner field contains various sporting facilities such as football, hockey and rugby fields as well as a 1.3km asphalted running track.

Access & Transport

The Happy Valley tram line goes around the Racecourse which is also a 10' walk from Causeway Bay MTR station. Bus is also an option but traffic will be slower on race evenings.

Instructions & Recommendations

No children are permitted so keep that in mind and the races are only on Wednesday evenings - best to double check a few days before as they sometimes get rescheduled to the Sha Tin racecourse. The entry fee is low (HK$10) but you will probably end up spending more if you want to gamble on a few races - which makes horse racing more entertaining for most people.

Meta review

Reviewers are mostly positive about their evening out at the races, stating that it is a fun evening out option for a group and that the F&B options are both good and reasonably priced. Most of the negative comments are from non-gamblers who find the wait between races a bit long and people coming on a day when the races had been moved to Sha Tin!

Environmental & Social

Some obvious animal rights issues with the activity. In addition, gambling is often a tax on the poorest and breeds social issues

Conclusion

The races at Happy Valley are a cultural feature in Hong Kong and make for a fun evening out in a group. Some will like it better with a bit of gambling sprinkled on it. On a non-race day, this is a good place for a run on the inner field track.

Key positive

Quite centrally located with direct tram access

Impressive backdrop

Key negative

Less interesting for non-gamblers

Suitability

Only adults are permitted. Wheelchair access possible.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
First race at 19h15 - Wednesdays only

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Sep, 01

Season 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY18:30 - 23:00

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Start of Season 2:Jul, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
No kids under 18 permitted.
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
HK$10
Adult
18 - 64
HK$10
Child
3 - 17
HK$0
Infant
0 - 2
HK$0

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