Sha Tin Racecourse is the larger of the two tracks in terms of sheer size and prestige. However, Happy Valley Racecourse remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists because of its more central location. Races are open to the public and members, who enjoy access to premier viewing areas of the grandstands.

Owned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley Racecourse pairs with Sha Tin to bring in billions in revenue.

History of Happy Valley Racecourse

Originally built on swampland in 1845 to accommodate British expats, the area was the only area in the region that was flat enough to sustain a track. To make the land more palatable for a track, the government restricted rice growing in the surrounding areas. The first race was run in December 1846 and sowed oats for Thoroughbred racing in Hong Kong where rice had grown before it. Happy Valley Racecourse was rebuilt to a world class standard in 1995.

About Happy Valley Racecourse

The facility is also home to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum, which has four galleries that display the history of the sport.
These include:

• The Origin of Our Horses – A history of equine migration patters in China
• Shaping Sha Tin – A history of construction at Sha Tin Racecourse
• Understanding Horses – Skeletal exhibit of Hong Kong Champion Silver Lining
• Thematic Exhibitions –  History of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

In 1918, a temporary grandstand collapsed suddenly causing a massive fire which took 576 lives. It is the highest number of casualties for a single event in Hong Kong history.

Learn about Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse.