Many visitors to Hong Kong often wonder: can one experience horse racing in Stanley, this charming seaside town with its beautiful scenery? To be frank, Stanley itself does not have a racecourse, but don't be disappointed! Stanley's excellent location actually makes it the perfect starting point for combining seaside leisure with a horse racing experience.
Why is there this misunderstanding?
Stanley (赤柱) is located on the southern part of Hong Kong Island and is renowned for its European-style waterfront market, beach bars, and relaxed atmosphere. Many visitors may associate Stanley's "foreign" ambiance with British horse racing culture, but in reality, Hong Kong's horse racing activities are concentrated at two main venues: Happy Valley racecourse on Hong Kong Island and Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories.
The Perfect Routes from Stanley to the Racecourses
Route One: Stanley → Happy Valley Racecourse (Recommended for Wednesday Night Racing)
From Stanley Playground, take bus route 6 or 260 to Causeway Bay, then transfer to the MTR and continue to Causeway Bay Station. It's about a 10-minute walk from there to Happy Valley Racecourse. The entire journey takes approximately 45 minutes, with a fare of HK$12.8. Wednesday night racing at Happy Valley is particularly enchanting, as the brightly lit racecourse creates a stunning contrast against the city skyline.
Route Two: Stanley → Sha Tin Racecourse (Best for Sunday Racing)
Take bus route 260 from Stanley to Central Exchange Square, then transfer to a minibus or the MTR East Rail Line to Sha Tin Station, followed by a racecourse shuttle bus. Although the journey is longer at approximately 1.5 hours, Sha Tin Racecourse is larger in scale and the Sunday racing atmosphere is more vibrant, with an entrance fee of HK$10.
Route Three: Stanley → Causeway Bay Jockey Club Off-Course Betting Centre
Don't want to travel far? The number 6 bus from Stanley to Causeway Bay passes by several Jockey Club off-course betting centres. You can experience the horse racing excitement around Times Square and Pedder Street area, while also enjoying shopping and dining.
Perfect One-Day Itinerary
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Stanley Waterfront Time
Explore the treasures at Stanley Market, enjoy brunch at Murray House, or soak up the sun at Stanley Beach. We recommend the ocean-view seats at Spices restaurant, where you can savor fusion cuisine while planning your afternoon horse racing adventure.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Head to Causeway Bay
Take the number 6 bus to Causeway Bay and take a short break at Hysan Place or Times Square. There are several Jockey Club betting centres here where you can first gather information about the day's races.
4:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Happy Valley Horse Racing Experience
Walk to Happy Valley Racecourse and purchase your HK$10 entrance ticket. We recommend the second-floor public seating, which offers excellent views without being too expensive. With 15-minute intervals between each race, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the Hong Kong-style snacks available at the racecourse.
Money-Saving Transportation Tips
Octopus cards offer bus transfer discounts - traveling from Stanley to Causeway Bay and then transferring to the MTR can save you up to HK$3. Purchasing an Octopus Student Card (requires a Hong Kong student ID) entitles you to 50% off. After Wednesday night racing ends, there are fewer night bus services back to Stanley, so it's advisable to allow sufficient time or consider sharing a taxi.
Essential Information for Horse Racing Beginners
The Hong Kong Jockey Club's racing season runs from mid-September to early July. Happy Valley primarily hosts Wednesday night races (starting at 7:15 PM), while Sha Tin focuses on Saturday and Sunday races (starting at 1:00 PM). The minimum bet is HK$10. For beginners, we recommend trying "Place" or "Quinella" bets as they offer higher chances of winning.
Transportation Advice for Special Racing Days
During the Hong Kong International Race Day (usually in December) and the Hong Kong Derby (in March), the racecourses are crowded with people. It is recommended to depart one hour earlier than usual. Additional bus services are arranged from Stanley to the racecourses on these major racing days, but be prepared to queue for transportation.
Although Stanley does not have a racecourse, its unique seaside charm combined with a convenient transportation network actually allows you to experience two completely different aspects of Hong Kong. Enjoying the European relaxed atmosphere in Stanley in the morning, then experiencing the passionate energy of Hong Kong horse racing in the afternoon—this is the true essence of a Hong Kong-style one-day tour.
