Renovation highlight - a mega light box featuring a past champion at the Happy Valley Racecourse, one of Hong Kong's most famous landmarks (artist impression)

One of Hong Kong's most famous landmarks, the Happy Valley racecourse, is getting a HK$150 million (US$19 million) makeover, to give it a "sense of arrival, a sense of grandeur" according to its director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

Long considered part of Hong Kong life and a "must do" on any visitor's itinerary, horse racing takes place twice weekly usually on Wednesday nights at the Happy Valley track on Hong Kong Island and weekends at Shatin, in the New Territories. Gamblers and non-gamblers alike can enjoy a full evening of entertainment at both venues, with restaurants and a racing museum adding to the attraction of the races themselves.

For enthusiasts, a new "mega light box" will provide a bright backdrop for information on each race, including photographs of the horses and jockey colours.  Even more spectacular will be the newly designed facade and entrance, which will feature a "walk of fame" showing past champion horses, highlighted by underground lights. It is designed to heighten the race-goer's sense of arrival, theatre and excitement.

"We want the new public entrance to become a landmark of Happy Valley, with the overall effect being to give Happy Valley a neon look while providing improved access," said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges. The project is scheduled for completion by November this year.

The racing season got off to a strong start at the end of August, after the traditional summer break, with HK$874 million (US$112 million) wagered in one meet, up 16 per cent from last year's opening day. All profits are ploughed back into local community projects or charities.

The British built a racetrack soon after they arrived in 1841, and the first Hong Kong Derby was held in 1873. Apart from the war years, the races have taken place annually ever since.

Related link:
Hong Kong Jockey Club for details of attending the races as an individual, or as part of a group.