Insight: Horse-Racing

The Wednesday evening races under floodlights at Happy Valley are one of the most enjoyable nights out in Hong Kong, with a great atmosphere and excitement.

From September to July, there’s a buzz in the air most Wednesdays on Hong Kong Island, as form guides and newspaper pundits are carefully studied ahead of the floodlit night races on turf at Happy Valley race track. Most visitors who attend say that this is one of the most enjoyable experiences of their time in Hong Kong.

Take a tram to Happy Valley or catch a taxi (ask your driver for a racing tip – you can then of course tip him to return the favour), pay HK$10 at the public entrance and then wander between the trackside beer garden, open-air or air­conditioned stands. Dress code is casual and refreshments are cheap, with good-quality pizza slices and meat skewers costing just HK$40, and jugs of beer starting at HK$125. There are up to eight races between 7.15pm and 11pm.

The HKTB operates a Come Horseracing Tour that will pick you up from your hotel and provide seats in the Visitors’ Box, with a buffet and open bar for HK$930 per person.

The weekend races at Sha Tin see even larger crowds (with far fewer tourists). The track hosted the equestrian events at the 2008 Olympics.

Alamy

How to bet

Even if you are a complete beginner at the horses, it is very easy to join in. The Jockey Club produces a guide in English for the Wednesday night races that clearly details the form, trainer, owner, jockey, etc, of each horse, and lets you at least pretend you are making an informed choice. Most counter staff speak good English and are patient with non-gambling foreigners having a flutter.

The simplest punt is for a Win. Opt for a Place and your horse has to come first or second if less than seven horses start, or in the top three if seven or more start. For a Quinella you choose three horses, and if any two of them finish in the top three you’re a winner. For a Trio you bet on which horses will come in the first three places, but in any order, while a Tierce is the same but must be in the correct order. Minimum bet is HK$10. There are leaflets available to explain all bets.