The low-lying area located
between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay is the famous Happy Valley, where
the people of Hong Kong gather to
enjoy the excitement of horse racing and maybe gambling on the
races.
One of the oldest and the most famous architectural
sites in Hong Kong, Happy Valley Racecourse was founded in the mid
1840s. The area was formerly a piece of marshland but following
extensive reclamation, the first horseracing was held here in 1846.
Evening meetings occurred in 1973 and in 1978; Hong Kong's second
racecourse was created in Sha Tin in the New Territories. Hong Kong
is now recognized internationally as a racing venue and is a
favorite spectator sport among Hong Kong residents, many of whom
like to have a flutter on the horses.
The yearly racing season runs from September to the
following June, when two weekly meetings are held. One is on
Wednesday evening, and the other on either Saturday or Sunday
afternoon. Entrance to the public enclosure is just HK$10. For those
who do not wish to make their own arrangements it is possible to
join parties organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Happy Valley venue, which can accommodate up to 35,000
race-goers has advanced tracks, giant computer screens and other
modern facilities. Needless to say, spectators are reminded that it
is forbidden to use flash photography as this has an adverse effect
on the horses and their performance. Audiences can view the race
card and betting information on the giant screens. Mere words cannot
describe the spectacular and exciting scene at these races,
something that most visitors to Hong Kong would be loath to miss.
Hong Kong's Horse Racing Museum is also located here;
this tells the interesting history and anecdotes of Hong Kong horse
racing, and there are exhibits of various harnesses.
What's more, this racecourse is also an ideal venue for
large-scale activities and it also offers a high quality service for
visitors. So, do not hesitate to have a visit here. |
