Too bad and a bit embarrassing that it took a co-worker from NY to visit the Hong Kong office for me to head to this venue which I regularly pass on a daily basis.
The setting (Happy Valley) can be described as picturesque. Virtually the entire area was built around the Racetrack that held its first race in December 1846 (and I thought the Boston Marathon had some history). Residential buildings overlook the racetrack and many tenants actually hold dinner parties on a Wednesday so the races can be viewed from their balconies. Note: an 800 sq foot apartment with a balcony overlooking the racetrack could cost as much as CAD 8000/month. Not cheap...
The crowd at the racetrack is quite mixed:
People that go there to bet
People that go there to hang out
Usually the first group includes the locals and long time Hong Kong island residents that can be seen holding multiple tickets hedging their bets with another one, it is almost a science. The second group is what people call here 'expats' that treat an outing at the racetrack as a social event. They are frequently seen yelling at the horses on the homestretch so they can win enough to be able to buy another pint of Heineken. The contrast in the crowd is quite unique.
I placed a bet only once and ended up winning enough to have a wonton soup with rice noodles for dinner which by the way only cost about CAD 3.50. Entry fee to the facility is a very modest HKD 10 which translates into CAD 1.50 and a pint of Heineken only cost HKD 30 (about CAD 5).
PS: During this past week I have received many kind comments from my "loyal blog readers" encouraging me to write and post pictures/videos. I am glad that there is a following, after all that is the purpose of this blog. :)
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