Nestled in the well-to-do district of Happy Valley is one of Hong Kong's two racetracks. Horseracing arrived with British colonisers in the 1840s and, having originally been for the entertainment of foreigners and the elite, it has blossomed in popularity and is now claimed to be one of Hong Kong's favourite sports. It certainly promises a very different experience from the top hats and tails of Royal Ascot and racing events in the US. There’s a definitive party atmosphere here: it is an inexpensive and lively way to spend the evening, and you'll be surrounded by excited, vibrant locals.The standard of racing is world-class, and it won't be long before you are swept into the stream of cheers and roars from spectators. The crowd is fuelled by beer and food stalls, as well as live music performances between races. Most meets are held at night, and the floodlit course against the background of illuminated high-rises is a sight to behold in itself.As with any racecourse, betting is a big part of the fun, and anyone is welcome to join in, whether they are amateurs or professionals. On average, somewhere in the region of 6 million bets are placed at every event. You might like to refer to the Hong Kong Jockey Club website before you go to familiarise yourself with the different kinds of bets taken.Important dates in the Hong Kong racing calendar are the Hong Kong Derby, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Honk Kong International Races. The latter of these carries a huge amount of prestige on the local scene.The horseracing season begins in September, and runs through until July. It's worth visiting the course even if there aren't any races going on that day. It makes for a lovely walk, there are great views to enjoy, and you can watch the locals playing other sports on the grounds. The nearest MTR station is Causeway. If you’re coming from the north and you're not in a hurry, the tram – always cheap and always cheerful – takes you on a very picturesque route. You can hop on any tram that says "Happy Valley” on it.