A Day at the Races in the Heart of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has often been compared to Singapore for its booming economy, shopaholic population and its technology loving multitudes. An Asian city that is bereft of the organized chaos that is Bangkok or the cultural overdose of South Asian giant India, Hong Kong is known for its west-oriented values, neatly manicured streets and MRTs. Hong Kong to many in the region at least is at first a food lover’s paradise owing to its culturally diverse and adventurous populace. Home to such well-known attractions as Victoria Peak, Big Buddha and Hong Kong Disneyland, this vibrant city is also where the shopping district Mongkok, Lamma Island and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is located. But there’s more to Hong Kong than its’ towering sky scrapers, abundant food courts and trendy nightclubs. Even a decade after it was handed over by the British to mainland China, Hong Kong’s image is synonymous with a modern day metropolis that is fast paced with an ever-growing appetite for the finer things in life. And it seems though the British rule over this island nation seems to have receded in to the backdrop, its cultural influence has left an indelible mark on the country’s social landscape. This is why Hong Kong is renowned as a horse racing hotspot in Asia. As an equestrian sport that has captivated the world for centuries, horse racing finds its origins in the Chariot races of Ancient Rome. A permanent fixture in Norse mythology, horse racing was the sport of royalty, who sped across palace grounds on thoroughbreds to the cheers of Noble men. Coupled with gambling from its inception, horse racing today remains a sport of the elite although unlike centuries past, the average traveller can also have a stake in the winning steed of his choice. Famed for its adrenaline rushing, nail biting atmosphere, horse racing was first conducted in Hong Kong during British winters. But looking at the Hong Kong population’s insatiable appetite for the sport it is difficult to trace its roots in the country’s colonial past as horse racing is ardently followed by locals of all stature. The Hong Kong racing calendar culminates in the Hong Kong International Races which consist of five events that attract horse racing enthusiasts from around the world. Home to two top-notch race courses, Happy Valley and Sha Tin Racecourse, the betting process in the venues are generally handled in a pari-mutuel system. Described as one of the region’s premier race courses Sha Tin Racecourse can host up to 83,000 people at a time and also has the longest Diamond Vision screen at 70.4 metres width and a height of 8 metres. Built in 1978, the thrilling atmosphere of a day at the races is best experienced here while the Happy Valley Racecourse has offered night racing from 1973 onwards. As the nation’s first race course, Happy Valley is now home to a state of the art track and live horse races broadcast. Come September and all of Hong Kong is buzzing with horse racing fever as the annual horse racing tour is about to commence. Running through till July these are marked months on racing lover’s calendars as the spectacle of this refined sport captivates locals and tourists alike. For those who are interested in learning of the history of this much loved sport, visit the Hong Kong Racing Museum where the past is revisited with unmatched fervour. Pleasantly situated, Hotel Jen is an excellent Hong Kong Island hotel located close to the race tracks. Charming and comfortable this cosy rest is a premier tourist hotel in Hong Kong

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