Happy Valley Racecourse

The tote on a single night at Happy Valley Racecourse is often equivalent to an entire year's betting at racetracks in the West, and indeed, on race days, it seems that everyone in Hong Kong is participating. Gambling on the horses is Pastime Number One here (and it's taken very seriously), with thousands of spectators flocking weekly to the impressive track, a green expanse with an electric atmosphere surrounded by high-rises: Residents host lovely parties on their balconies while looking down on the action. 

Night races are particularly interesting, with bright lights, a frantic atmosphere, and the winnings for picking the right horse can be rather huge.

Hong Kong's favorite sport is making money, and in horseracing you have Hong Kong's favorite money sport. Billions are spent every year at the Happy Valley racecourse, an oasis of green in the middle of the city. The season runs from September to June and meetings are usually held here on Wednesday evenings, and occasionally on Saturday or Sunday afternoons when the other course at Sha Tin is being repaired or prepared for a big international meet.

Happy Valley has been home to Hong Kong horse racing since 1846. The city virtually grew up around the racecourse.

This photo is captured in 1st Race on 17th Nov, 2010.