The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has revolutionized the weekly horse racing night at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday into a carnival atmosphere, naming it Happy Wednesday. This event now attracts a younger crowd eager for a lively night out.
Horse racing has long been seen as the domain of older generations in Hong Kong. Sha Tin Racecourse and Happy Valley Racecourse were typically filled with middle-aged and older spectators, who visited these venues primarily for the thrill of gambling.
However, the scene is changing. The racecourse is now attracting a more diverse audience, moving beyond just familiar older faces. Let’s explore how the racecourse is becoming a favored and trendy spot for the youth.
Affordable Entry
When Happy Wednesday was first introduced in 2023, the HKJC offered a free entry promotion from September to December 2023 to attract younger crowds. This initiative was a hit, drawing in many first-time attendees keen to experience the excitement of live horse racing without having to pay for entry.
Now, even with the standard $10 entry fee back in place, horse racing remains an attractive option for young adults looking for fun activities in a city known for its high cost of living.
At just $10, tickets make it easy for groups of friends to enjoy a night out without spending loads.
Festive Themes with Live Performances
Happy Wednesday has a different monthly theme, with celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day, May French, and Oktoberfest. Live performances, liquor, and offerings from food trucks tailored to each theme create a festive atmosphere that invites young people to celebrate at the racecourse.
“I know Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day are not festivals that Hong Kong people typically celebrate. It’s nice that people get to celebrate them in such a big venue, like a big party,” said Kingsley Chan, a 23-year-old fresh graduate who went to Happy Wednesday last month.
Happy Wednesday also features performances by local and international singers, bands, DJs, and dance groups that resonate with Gen Y and Gen Z. Diverse music genres like Canton-pop, K-pop, R&B, funk, jazz, and more all come to the music scene, making the horse racing experience more attractive to the young crowd.
Brews and Bites
The beers and snacks at the racecourse add to its appeal to young people. They can buy cold beer from the Beer Garden, which offers a variety of local and international brews. Alongside the drink stands, they can explore a range of small bites from food trucks.
“My friends and I know nothing about horse racing. We go there to have some beer and chips and enjoy the vibe,” said Lucia Li, a 21-year-old HKU student who went to Happy Wednesday several times.
In addition to the beer options, Happy Wednesday also features a rotating selection of other liquors, such as Aperol, and various cocktails, adding even more variety to the drinking experience.
Excitement of Betting
What could be more exciting than placing bets on horses at the racecourse? With bets starting at just HK$10, young people with little knowledge of horse racing can easily place a bet to try their luck. If the horse they’ve backed wins, they can enjoy surprising returns on their modest bets.
Even if they lose, the small bets still allow young people to feel more engaged as they cheer for the chosen horse. Being able to experience the thrill of horse racing without a significant money loss makes their experience at the racecourse more enjoyable.
“I don’t really care about winning or losing. They are just dozens of dollars. I bet on horses just to entertain myself and to feel I am part of the race game,” said Chan.
New Social Gathering Spot
Happy Wednesday, which happens mid-week at night in Happy Valley, has emerged as a new gathering destination. Visitors can enter the racecourse at 6 PM and enjoy until the last race around 11 PM. With a range of alcohol options available, the racecourse offers a blend of thrilling horse racing and a relaxing atmosphere to gather with friends after work or classes.
“It’s an ideal place to have a drink and catch up with friends. Why not spend our happy hour there after a long busy workday?” said Chan.
The mid-week timing also offers a refreshing break from their routines. For university students like Li, it’s an opportunity to step away from their studies, especially when their school is not far from the racecourse.
“We go to school in the day. It is convenient for us to go to Happy Valley after class and have a few hours of relaxing time with my friends there,” said Li.