A Night At The Happy Valley Race Track

Photographer David Paul Morris gambles with his Nikon and Leica gear against the track and comes up a winner.

If you are lucky enough to be in Hong Kong during horse racing season then Hong Kong’s famous Happy Valley racecourse on Wednesday night or Saturday's racing in Sha Tin is a must. Not only are you treated with world class horse racing but you can immerse yourself in some Hong Kong tradition. 

Horse racing in Hong Kong is a passionate pastime for locals and tourists. On any good night there can be up to 55,000 spectators as they pack the stands that rise seven stories above the race track providing an electrifying atmosphere that is rarely seen on any other racetrack in the world.  As you’d expect with any sporting event that atmosphere is filled with is enthusiastic gambling, roudy cheering and plenty of beer to help celebrate your winnings or drown out your losses.

Since all the roads leading to the racecourse on race night is closed to traffic the best way to there is by the famous Hong Kong Tram which you can hop on anywhere between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. Make sure you get on the one that takes you to Happy Valley. For the full experience try to get up to the top level in the front. If your heading to Sha Tin on a Saturday a short ride North on the MTR drops you off at the front entrance of the race course. 

Gear used: 

Nikon D5  
Nikon D850
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105 f/1.4E ED 
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens 

2 Leica M10’s
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit and 75mm f/1.4 Summilux