Hong Kong is well known for its vibrant horse racing scene and is home to several top-tier tracks. But exactly how many racecourses are there in Hong Kong? This article will provide an overview of the number of tracks that make up Hong Kong’s horse racing industry, as well as the history of horse racing in the region.
History of Horse Racing in Hong Kong
Horse racing has been a part of Hong Kong culture for centuries, with the first recorded races taking place in the 1800s. At the time, races were mostly organized by the local Chinese community and were often associated with gambling.
In 1884, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) was founded, bringing a more organized approach to the sport. The HKJC opened its first racecourse in Happy Valley in 1889, and the track quickly became the center of the sport in Hong Kong.
The HKJC has since expanded its operations to other locations in the region, including Sha Tin and the newly opened Conghua Racecourse, further boosting the horse racing industry in Hong Kong.
How Many Racecourses Are There in Hong Kong?
Currently, there are five racecourses in Hong Kong: Happy Valley, Sha Tin, Conghua, Beas River, and Tuen Mun. All of these tracks are owned and operated by the HKJC.
Happy Valley Racecourse
The Happy Valley Racecourse is the oldest track in Hong Kong and is located on Hong Kong Island. It has a capacity of 55,000 and hosts races all year round.
Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin Racecourse is located in the New Territories and has a capacity of 85,000. It is the main venue for the prestigious Hong Kong International Races.
Conghua Racecourse
Conghua Racecourse is located in the city of Guangzhou, just across the border from Hong Kong. It opened in 2020 and is the newest addition to the HKJC’s lineup of racecourses.
Beas River Racecourse
Beas River Racecourse is located in the New Territories and has a capacity of 40,000. It hosts races mainly on weekends and public holidays.
Tuen Mun Racecourse
Tuen Mun Racecourse is located in the New Territories and has a capacity of 10,000. It hosts races mainly on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Types of Races at Each Track
Each of the five racecourses in Hong Kong offers a different selection of races. The following is a list of the types of races that can be found at each track:
Happy Valley Racecourse
- Flat Races: Happy Valley Racecourse hosts a variety of flat races, including sprints and long distance events.
- Hurdle Races: Happy Valley also hosts a few hurdle races, which feature obstacles that the horses must jump over.
Sha Tin Racecourse
- Flat Races: Sha Tin Racecourse hosts a variety of flat races, including sprints and long distance events.
- Hurdle Races: Sha Tin also hosts a few hurdle races, which feature obstacles that the horses must jump over.
- Steeplechase Races: Sha Tin also hosts steeplechase races, which require the horses to jump over a series of obstacles.
Conghua Racecourse
- Flat Races: Conghua Racecourse hosts a variety of flat races, including sprints and long distance events.
Beas River Racecourse
- Flat Races: Beas River Racecourse hosts a variety of flat races, including sprints and long distance events.
Tuen Mun Racecourse
- Flat Races: Tuen Mun Racecourse hosts a variety of flat races, including sprints and long distance events.
Major Races
Hong Kong is home to some of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The following is a list of some of the major races held at the various tracks in Hong Kong:
- The Hong Kong Derby: The Hong Kong Derby is an annual race held at Sha Tin Racecourse. It is the most prestigious race in Hong Kong and the winner receives a prestigious trophy.
- The Hong Kong International Races: The Hong Kong International Races are held at Sha Tin Racecourse and consist of four races: The Hong Kong Cup, The Hong Kong Mile, The Hong Kong Sprint, and The Hong Kong Vase.
- Happy Valley Trophy: The Happy Valley Trophy is an annual race held at Happy Valley Racecourse. It is the second most prestigious race in Hong Kong.
- Tuen Mun Trophy: The Tuen Mun Trophy is an annual race held at Tuen Mun Racecourse. It is the third most prestigious race in Hong Kong.
Horse Racing in Hong Kong Today
Today, horse racing is still very much a part of the fabric of Hong Kong society. The HKJC continues to organize races at all five of its racecourses, and the sport remains a popular pastime for many locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are currently five racecourses in Hong Kong: Happy Valley, Sha Tin, Conghua, Beas River, and Tuen Mun. All of these tracks are owned and operated by the HKJC and host a variety of races, from flat races to hurdle races. The HKJC also organizes some of the most prestigious races in the world, such as the Hong Kong Derby, the Hong Kong International Races, and the Happy Valley Trophy. Horse racing remains an integral part of Hong Kong’s culture, and the HKJC continues to ensure that the sport is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.