Some of the fiercest horse races are held at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is a worthwhile experience if you happen to be vacationing in Hong Kong. The area is based in a prime location with an abundant supply of Hong Kong hotel rooms, resorts and serviced apartments such as the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong and many others which mean that you will not run into any trouble finding accommodation opportunities. The horse racing sport in Hong Kong started in 1841 after the arrival of the British in the country. In the year 1884, the Jockey Club was founded. In 1971 it was transformed into a professional horse racing platform and institution. As of today, the club is recognized as one of the largest and leading horse racing clubs in the Asia region. The illustrious history and fine traditions that the institution upkeeps and holds have led to its popularity and respect among all the different sectors of Hong Kong. A racing season will usually last for about eleven months starting from early on in September and continue through mid-July of the following year. Within that duration, over 700 races will be held. While most of the daytime races are usually held on Saturdays and Sundays at the Sha Tin Racecourse, night time races will be held on Wednesdays at the Happy Valley Racecourse with the exception of holidays.
International first class races are held at both the racecourses and have seen the likes of Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Longines HK International Races and the Champions Mile Race which target world famous horses in their wake. The club also has been recognized for its philanthropic efforts that have been consistent over the decades. The surplus of its revenue each year is donated to various charitable causes such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Victoria Park, Hong Kong Ocean Park and HK Park.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.