A Night at the Races – Happy Valley Racing
On Wednesday afternoons, men often line Hong Kong’s sidewalks reading newspapers in front of bright blue buildings. They aren’t catching up on the latest international news or examining stock movements, they are studying the racing cards for the horse races that happen every Wednesday night at Happy Valley. Still residing on the same ground as when it was founded in the late 1800s, the Happy Valley racetrack carves out a green oval oasis underneath imposing mountains and glass skyscrapers that spring from neighboring Causeway Bay. An attraction for local Chinese and westerners, a night at the horse races or a day at the neighboring Hong Kong Racing Museum provide a glimpse at the gambling culture that exists in Hong Kong. Even if gambling is of no interest, the stark contrast of dramatic landscapes and cityscapes is worth paying the minuscule 10HKD admission fee.
In the beer garden, food options are simple and inexpensive (e.g. McDonalds, Kebabs, etc.) but become increasingly upscale in the reserved seats and luxury boxes. Races run most Wednesdays from 7pm to 11pm from mid September through late June. Check the latest race card and directions at: www.hkjc.com/english/hrc/hindex.asp
