An outing at the races is one of the quintessential Hong Kong things to do, especially if you're around during the weekly Wednesday-evening races. Punters pack into the stands and trackside, with branded beer stalls, silly wigs and live music setting up an electric party atmosphere.
To bet, you must first exchange cash for betting vouchers inside the stands, then use the machine terminals (which have English settings and instructions). Stewards will help.
The first horse races were held here way back in 1846. Now meetings are held both here and at the newer and larger (but less atmospheric) Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories. Check the website for details on betting and tourist packages. Take the eastbound Happy Valley tram to the final stop and cross the road to the racecourse. You can use an Octopus card to enter the turnstiles.
