Until December, visitors can enjoy free admission to the renowned racecourse. Learn more about the sport before placing your bets!
By The HK HUB 2023-10-04 Updated: 2023-10-04 6 Mins Read
To support the government’s efforts in boosting the city’s night economy, visitors can now enjoy free entry to the Happy Valley Racecourse, with upgraded Happy Wednesday activities until December. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular fan, read on to learn about the sport, and find out what to expect during your visit and things to do besides betting.
Content of this article hideOther than free entry, the racecourse offers a series of themed nights, including Oktoberfest, carnivals, and Winter Wonderland festive events. For more information, please visit the Happy Wednesday website.
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has been more than just racetracks in Happy Valley and Sha Tin since its establishment in 1884. As a non-profit organisation, it has provided horse racing, sports, and betting entertainment in Hong Kong. The government-granted monopoly offers parimutuel betting on horse racing, the Mark Six lottery, and fixed odds betting on overseas football events. Membership in the exclusive club is highly selective, historically reserved for old money families but now including newly rich members.
Today, besides being the largest taxpayer and community benefactor in Hong Kong, it is also a major employer. It now focuses on building an age-friendly city, promoting youth social innovation, and supporting sports projects that foster positive values and aspirations.
Although serious money can change hands at these events, anyone can participate. With bets starting as low as HK$10, it’s the perfect place for beginners to try their luck. The staffs at the counters are friendly and very helpful in assisting you to place your bet.
New Year's Eve Parties In Hong Kong To Wave Goodbye To 2023There is a great atmosphere in the public enclosure akin to the beer garden. Catch the live bands and grab a bite to eat from one of the food stands, then wash down with an ice-cold beer.
Race season generally runs from September through to early July. Wednesday night tends to be race night and if you only have one opportunity to go, Happy Valley is the more popular of the two to visit. There’s also vibrant night festivals on Wednesdays at Happy Wednesday – where you can enjoy the thrill of live horse racing as well as live bands, beer garden, appetising F&B choices with an international crowd. So, whether you’re a racing novice or an old-hand, a regular or a one-time visitor, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy a trip to the races.
The dress code is casual, but we recommend that you wear plenty of ‘Eau de Moustique’. The swamp may have been drained, but there are still plenty of hungry mosquitoes buzzing trackside, so repellant is a must.
Please note it’s standing only in the public area, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of being right up close to the action, with the horses thundering past just beyond the railings.
Our Tip: Bet on the horse with the name you like the most and hope that beginner’s luck is on your side!
To access the Public Enclosure at the racecourse, simply use your Octopus card to pay the HK$10 admission fee at the entrance (Free entry from September 20 to December 2023). This grants you access to the Grandstand, betting hall, and various restaurants within the public area. An additional admission fee is required for entering the special betting zone within the Public Enclosure.
