Tag Archives: Hong Kong

Happy Valley Racecourse – Hong Kong’s favourite money making sport.

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A day out at the races is a much loved past time in Hong Kong, and whether you’re visiting this cosmopolitan city on business or pleasure, do make a point to head over and experience one of the weekly evening races down at Happy Valley Racecourse. Located in Wanchai, a great spot if you’re on the lookout for a good Hong Kong hotel, such as the luxurious Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong, the Happy Valley Racecourse is packed every Wednesday as Hong Kongers pack the stands and trackside, after placing bets to cheer on the horses.

Constructed in 1845 to provide racing entertainment for the British residents, Happy Valley is one of two racecourses in Hong Kong, the other being the new and larger, Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories. However Happy Valley has the electric atmosphere and affectionate nostalgia among locals that keeps it packed weekly.

Apart from the actual races, there are plenty of things to do; if you’re new to happy valley to go early to watch the parade ring. Here you can inspect the horses up close and even take pictures if you want. The ring features 4 balconies that can seat up to 1,400 viewers ( the racecourse stands can hold up to 55,000) and a retractable roof, so rainy weather is never a problem. There’s also a beer garden located in the forecourt which offers great views of the races. An excellent place to enjoy a cold beer with friends while tucking into sizzling barbecue food, the beer garden is a good alternative to the more tense grandstands.

For anyone interested in learning more about the national treasure, the The Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum, located on the second floor of the Happy Valley Stand has four galleries filled with various exhibits and historical accounts such as the origin of the race horses from northern china and the history of the club itself.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Hong Kong Jockey Club – Ultimate Horseracing

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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.

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Hong Kong Sevens – Rugby in all its glory

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Rugby is a sport that comes with a package of fun and glory and a whole heap of team spirit. Throughout the globe it happens to be one of the most popular sports celebrated by both the professionals and amateurs alike. For hardcore rugby, head over to Hong Kong; which every year hosts the famous ‘Hong Kong Sevens’. Hong Kong Sevens is not just famous for its star class Rugby for it is also well known as one of the most celebrated team sporting events in general in the whole of South East Asia. You can enjoy the best of Rugby in style and bask in the ambience of sportsmanship and glory. Indeed it is one event that perfectly reflects the vibrant ambience of the area.

This tournament caters to all who love sports. From high tech facilities to the most perfect talent, you can truly enjoy the height of the game here in this colourful city. Every year the city comes alive during the season of the Hong Kong Sevens and this year it is no different. The 2014 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before. In addition to the marvellous games in action, the stadium comes alive with a carnival atmosphere that lasts 3 whole days; something that will be etched in your memory long after the game. Whether you are holidaying with your family or friends, the tournament is truly worthy of landing square on your agenda because the fun you are promised here is simply the best!

In addition to your affair with Rugby, the area is a treasure-trove of surprises that never fails to entice its many ardent visitors. From its pristine and perfect skyline to its many high tech attractions, the area is a myriad of attractions that you can simply never get tired of. Whatever your tastes maybe the city has something or the other to satisfy you. This year plan your holiday to the Far East and prepare to be mesmerised. While choosing a Hong Kong hotel to stay at, pick the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has is by far the best of its kind in the city.

Racing Museum – Hong Kong’s Home for Horse Racing

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The Hong Kong Racing Museum is a museum that opened at the Happy Valley Racing Course in 1996. It is currently situated at the Happy Valley Stand building, right on the second floor. The museum contains four permanent galleries. ‘The Origin of Our Horses’ exhibit charts the journey of horses to the island from the northern regions of China. The ‘Shaping Sha Tin’ exhibit is about the Sha Tin Racecourse. The exhibit depicts the history of its construction and includes a variety of interesting information about the racecourse.

At the ‘Understanding Horses’ exhibit one can find the skeleton of Silver Lining, a famous horse that became the Hong Kong Champion three times. The final gallery is called ‘Thematic Exhibitions’. This is where visitors can go to learn more about the Jockey Club, including its origins and other interesting trivia. Charitable projects adopted by the HK Jockey Club Charities Trust can also be found on display here. In addition to the galleries, the museum also houses a well-stocked souvenir shop and an excellent cinema.

There are other galleries on display here as well. The racing museum is not just for horse enthusiasts, but can be enjoyed by all. The museum is closed on all Mondays; otherwise it is open throughout the week between 10 am and 5 pm. For group visits one should send in an application in advance. As the racecourse is such a prominent destination, it is quite easy to access using the city’s excellent public transport system.

Hong Kong, which means ‘fragrant harbour’, is a Special Administrative Region of China but feels like an entirely different country. Although the culture is definitely Oriental, long years of British rule have also made it one of the most westernised parts of China. It is a highly popular tourist destination offering visitors a myriad of things to do. Attractions include numerous museums, parks and temples, like the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

Those planning on visiting the island and are on the lookout for good Hong Kong Kowloon Hotel can try the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong. The Hotel in Jordan Hong Kongenjoys a central location and is ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

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