The history and development of Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse is the first racecourse in Hong Kong (the other is located in Sha Tin District and was completed in 1978). During the Japanese occupation, it was renamed "Aoba Gap Racecourse". Soon horse racing and betting activities became popular among Hong Kong's Chinese community. In 1931, the first two three-story permanent stands were built at the racecourse. Later in 1957, the stand was converted into two seven-storey stands. In 1969, the stands were expanded again. In 1995, the racecourse completed another reconstruction project and became a world-class all-grass racecourse. Racing at Happy Valley Racecourse is usually held on Wednesday evenings.

Happy Valley Racecourse Fire

Main article: Happy Valley Racecourse Fire in 1918

A tragic fire occurred at Happy Valley Racecourse on February 26, 1918. The death toll was as high as 590, making it the deadliest accidental fire in Hong Kong's history. It was known as the "Happy Valley Racecourse Fire" in history.

The rebuilt Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse originally consisted of a grass track and a rubber track, but the rubber track was demolished during the reconstruction project completed in 1995.

A racecourse with an all-grass track. In addition to a 30-meter-wide grass track, the rebuilt Happy Valley Racecourse also built the Happy Valley Grandstand, the Hong Kong Racing Museum, the New Jockey Club Headquarters Building and other buildings. At the end of 2001, the racecourse replaced a large color screen. This screen is the largest light-emitting diode (LED) display screen in the world's racecourse. It is about 35 meters long and 8 meters high. Its area is approximately equivalent to more than 2,000 21-inch TV racks. stand up. Race distance

Before reconstruction in 1995: Turf 975 meters 1235 meters 1650 meters 1800 meters 2230 meters 2400 meters Antuo rubber track 1030 meters 1400 meters 1600 meters 2000 meters 2100 meters After reconstruction in 1995: Grass 1200 meters 1650 meters 1800 meters 2200 meters 2400 meters